Abstract: Polymeric nanofibers have been developed which are useful in a variety of medical and other applications, such as filtration devices, medical prostheses, scaffolds for tissue engineering, wound dressings, controlled drug delivery systems, cosmetic skin masks, and protective clothing. These can be formed of any of a variety of different polymers, both non-biodegradable or biodegradable, and derived from synthetic or natural sources. The present invention discloses 1) the composition of fibrous articles and 2) methods for using these articles in medical applications. The biodegradable fibrous articles, which are preferably formed by electrospinning polymer solution of biodegradable fiberizable material with or in conjunction with medicinal agents and bioactive materials, comprise a composite (or asymmetric composite) of nanofibers with actives.