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In this study, Polystyrene based materials, PS, with tailored morphologies are prepared by solution blow spinning, SBS. It is demonstrated that this tailored morphology of PS can be designed through the choice of particular SBS processing conditions. Several SBS processing conditions, including solution concentration, gas pressure and solution feeding rate are changed to consider their individual and combined effects on the final polymer morphology. The morphology of the PS samples is inspected by scanning electron microscopy, SEM. This morphology is analyzed in terms of fiber diameter and relative amount of fibers respect to other morphological features such as lumps or fibers aggregates. Coupling the experimental analysis with the use of Box-Behnken method and the desirability function, particular values of parameters controlling the SBS processing conditions are able to be obtained in order to achieve certain morphologies of PS, in particular, maximum amount of fibers with the minimum diameter. Influence of PS morphology on hydrophobicity and the ability of oil absorption is studied by contact angle measurements. The use of Box-Behnken design together with the desirability function is revealed as a reliable and accurate method for designing polystyrene materials through the optimal election of SBS processing conditions for the production of the polymer with particular morphologies and therefore, with especial performance regarding adsorption and absorption of liquid wastes. SBS PS constituted by the maximum amount of fibers with the shortest diameters lead to superhydrophobic materials with the highest ability of oil absorption for the PS. • PS constituted by non-woven fibers was produced by solution blow spinning, SBS. • Morphologies of PS were predicted by choosing SBS conditions through the use of Box-Behnken design. • Superhydrophobic materials with water contact higher than 160° were made by SBS. • Correlation between morphologies of PS and wettability behavior was studied. • Oil up-take by PS could be tuned by controlling its morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sterilization of a material carries the risk of unwanted changes in physical and chemical structure. The choice of method is a challenge—the process must be efficient, without significantly changing the properties of the material. In the presented studies, we analyzed the effect of selected sterilization/disinfection techniques on the properties of nanofibrous polyurethane biomaterial. Both radiation techniques (UV, gamma, e-beam) and 20 minutes' contact with 70% EtOH were shown not to achieve 100% sterilization efficiency. The agar diffusion test showed higher sterilization efficiency when using an antimicrobial solution (AMS). At the same time, none of the analyzed techniques significantly altered the morphology and distribution of fiber diameters. EtOH and e-beam sterilization resulted in a significant reduction in material porosity together with an increase in the Young's modulus. Similarly, AMS sterilization increased the value of Young's modulus. In most cases, the viability of cells cultured in contact with the sterilized materials was not affected by the sterilization process. Only for UV sterilization, cell viability was significantly lower and reached about 70% of control after 72 h of culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wearable textile electronics have been extensively developed with versatile functionality and self-powered autonomy. Here, we demonstrated β -phase-preferential solution-blow-spun fabrics for application to wearable TENGs and a textile interactive interface. The nonwoven fabric fabricated by solution blow spinning (SBS) was successfully applied as the triboelectric layer in TENGs. The uniaxial elongation of the polymer chains along the fiber axis during the SBS process promoted the formation of polar β -phase crystals in the solution-blow-spun nanofibers, which led to a negative shift in the surface potential and enhancement of the TENG performances. The relationship between the surface charge potential and the crystalline phase of the fabricated nonwoven fabric was comprehensively investigated. The constructed fabric TENG delivered excellent output performances such as a high open-circuit voltage of 260 V, short-circuit current of 27 μA, and high output power of 7 mW; these values were satisfactory for its utilization in the harvesting of biomechanical energy and subsequent driving of commercial portable electronic devices. The fabric TENG was further successfully utilized as a wireless fabric interactive interface for controlling domestic appliances and video playback. The proposed β -phase-preferential blow-spun fabric TENGs are highly promising for application to next-generation intelligent textronics and self-powered human–robot interaction interfaces. Image 1 • The fabrication of β -phase-preferential fabrics by solution blow-spinning (SBS) for applications to wearable TENGs and textile interactive interface has been demonstrated. • The uniaxial elongation of the polymer chains along the fiber axis promotes the formation of polar β -phase crystal, which results in the enhancement of TENG performances. • The wearable fabric TENG is utilized for harvesting biomechanical energy, driving electronic device, and as a wireless fabric interface for controlling domestic appliances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a method of modifying the inner surface of nanofibrous vascular prostheses. The modification process involves two steps: introducing a hydrophilic linker, followed by a peptide containing the arginine-glutamic acid-aspartic acid-valine (REDV) sequence. The influence of the process parameters (reaction time, temperature, initiator concentration) on morphology and the distribution of fiber diameters were examined. For selected optimal parameters, the prostheses were modified in the flow system. Modifications along the entire length of the prosthesis were confirmed—the inlet and the outlet areas showed no significant (p > 0.05) differences in the value of the contact angle and the analyzed morphological parameters. The basic physicochemical and mechanical properties of modified prostheses were analyzed. The study showed that REDV-modified prosthesis has an average fiber diameter of 318 ± 99 nm, the average pore size of 3.0 ± 1.6 μm, the porosity of 48.4 ± 8.6% and Young's modulus of 4.0 ± 0.4 MPa. The internal diameter of prostheses remains unchained and amounts to 3 mm. Such modified prostheses can reduce the risk of blood coagulation by increasing the surface's wettability and, most of all, by introducing endothelial cell-selective peptide. As an effect, the proposed surfaces could recruit endothelial progenitor cells directly from the bloodstream and promote the endothelium formation after implantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on biosensors made with a matrix of polylactic acid (PLA) fibers, which are suitable for immobilization of the anti-p53 active layer for detection of p53 biomarker. The PLA fibers were produced with solution blow spinning, a method that is advantageous for its simplicity and possibility to tune the fiber properties. For the biosensors, the optimized time to deposit the fibers was 60 s, with which detection of p53 could be achieved with the limit of detection of 11 pg/mL using electrical impedance spectroscopy. This sensitivity is also sufficient to detect the p53 biomarker in patient samples, which was confirmed by distinguishing samples from cell lines with distinct p53 concentrations in a plot where the impedance spectra were visualized with the interactive document mapping (IDMAP) technique. The high sensitivity and selectivity of the biosensors may be attributed to the specific interaction between the active layer and p53 modeled with a Langmuir-Freundlich and Freundlich isotherms and inferred from the analysis of the vibrational bands at 1550, 1650 and 1757 cm−1 using polarization-modulated infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS). The successful immobilization of the active layer is evidence that the approach based on solution blown spun fibers may be replicated to other types of biosensors. Unlabelled Image • Low-cost biosensors fabricated with PLA fibers used for detecting p53 biomarker • Fibers produced by SB-Spinning explored for the first time as biosensor matrices • Optimized performance for fibers deposited during 60 s on interdigitated electrodes • Biosensors sensitive to p53, with limit of detection of 11 pM [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Minimizing the impact of fossil fuels has led to intense research for the development of new devices and components for energy applications. In this work, we have fabricated NiO, CeO 2 and NiO-CeO 2 hollow micro/nano fibers by Solution Blow Spinning (SBS) and evaluated their performance as electrodes for electrochemical energy storage. The electrochemical performance analysis based on cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) and electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) revealed a battery-like behavior for the electrodes. Morphological aspects, diffusive process limitations and electron conductivity are the reasons for the performance of electrodes of different compositions, according to Warburg impedance values of 14.37, 128.3 e 258.1 Ω s−0.5 and, charge transfer resistance of 1.03, 37.45 and 119.9 Ω for NiO, CeO 2 and NiO-CeO 2 , respectively. However, hollow fiber electrodes of nickel and cerium-based oxides show better performance than literature reports for electrodes of same composition derived from conventional synthetic routes, which is understandable since battery-like electrodes involve diffusion-controlled processes. Image 1 • Hollow micro- and nanofibers by Solution Blow Spinning (SBS). • NiO, CeO 2 and NiO-CeO 2 as battery-like materials. • NiO hollow fibers showed the best electrochemical performance. • Detailed electrochemical analysis by impedance spectroscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Successfully solved the problems of electrospinning technology in minimally invasive surgery. • A portable solution blow spinning device was proposed for the first time. • Two applications have been proposed, namely in situ rapid wound dressing and minimally invasive surgical visceral hemostasis. In situ fiber deposition technology has shown great excellence in visceral hemostasis. In recent years, minimally invasive surgery has been widely welcomed by patients because of its small trauma, light pain and rapid recovery. In the treatment of minimally invasive surgical wounds, fiber deposition has the advantages of fast, convenient, disassemble free and low toxicity. However, due to the conductive nature of the human body and narrow space in thoracic and abdominal cavity, the use of electrospinning technology to deposit fibers have high risk of short circuit and creepage. Such adverse effects, on the one hand, bring dangers to patients, and on the other hand, they will destroy equipment such as endoscopes. In this work, we used gas-blowing spinning instead of high-voltage electricity to guide fiber deposition, and completed liver hemostasis in a minimally invasive surgical environment. Pathological section analysis revealed that the surgery did not trigger an additional inflammatory response. It is worth mentioning that the gas blowing system used in this work can be a portable one. The high pressure gas source is changed from a conventional air pump to a commercially available compressed gas bottle (weight ~284 g, air pressure ~0.6 MPa). The gas source is greatly optimized and the volume is smaller. It is more convenient to carry, which makes the combination of hemostasis and other surgical items more convenient. This method is similar to the hemostatic membrane prepared by electrospinning technology, which can avoid the use of drainage tube, thus providing a cutting-edge form for minimally invasive surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Recycling of waste polystyrene to submicron fibers using solution blow spinning. • Solution properties and operating conditions dictate the fiber formation. • Waste polystyrene fibers exhibit enhanced hydrophobicity and superoleophilicity. • The diesel oil-water mixtures were separated with 97% separation efficiency. Polystyrene waste disposal is an environmental challenge and transforming it into value-added products such as submicron fibers is an attractive paradigm. In this work, we have reported a sustainable approach to deal with the twin issues of handling low-density polystyrene waste and its re-utilization. Using ethyl acetate as a cost-efficient environmentally preferable solvent, we have successfully demonstrated conversion of waste expanded polystyrene (WPS) into hydrophobic fibers via solution blow spinning technique and its application towards oil-water separation. The macroscale spray pattern analysis in combination with microscale analysis is reported as a facile tool for evaluating the effect of polymer solution properties and operating parameters on the spray morphology. Additionally, the fiber spinnability limits are identified that provide the operational parameters in which fibers without any undesirable structural features are obtained. Here, the lower fiber spinnability limits were identified as 6 wt% polymer concentration, 3 kg cm−2 gas pressure and 10 cm nozzle-to-target distance, below which excessive beads or film formation was observed. The upper fiber spinnability limits were 14 wt% polymer concentration and 5 kg cm−2 gas pressure beyond which the solution blow spinning was not feasible. Moreover, wettability studies showed the enhanced hydrophobic and superoleophilic behavior of the synthesized WPS fibrous mats with water contact angle as ∼138° and oil contact angle as ∼0°. The WPS fiber-coated membrane demonstrated a maximum separation efficiency of 97% for free oil (diesel)-water mixtures, indicating potential applications in oil recovery and treatment of oily wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabrics comprised of porous fibres could provide effective passive protection against chemical and biological (CB) threats whilst maintaining high air permeability (breathability). Here, we fabricate hierarchically porous fibres consisting of regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) and activated-carbon (AC) prepared through two fibre spinning techniques in combination with ice-templating—namely cryogenic solution blow spinning (Cryo-SBS) and cryogenic wet-spinning (Cryo-WS). The Cryo-WS RSF fibres had exceptionally small macropores (as low as 0.1 µm) and high specific surface areas (SSAs) of up to 79 m2·g−1. The incorporation of AC could further increase the SSA to 210 m2·g−1 (25 wt.% loading) whilst also increasing adsorption capacity for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cellulosic non-woven fabrics were prepared from ionic liquid solutions. • Suitable molecular weights of cellulose contributed to forming ultrafine fibers. • Fiber diameter was reduced and strength was improved as air velocity increased. • Ultrafine cellulose fibers with a high strength of ca. 940 MPa were obtained. A wet-type solution blow spinning system equipped with a single concentric nozzle was assembled to investigate the key factors for preparing ultrafine regenerated cellulose fibers. The effects of the degree of polymerization (DP) of cellulose and the velocity of blown air on fiber morphology were studied by rheological analyses and scanning electron microscopy. The results demonstrated that cellulose with a DP of 2365, together with a high air velocity, could aid the formation of continuous ultrafine fibers. Fluid filament deformation was observed using a high-speed camera and clearly correlated with the final fiber morphology. Additionally, aligned ultrafine fibers were spun on a rotational collector and their mechanical properties and structural parameters were characterized. Ultrafine cellulose fibers with a high strength of 941.4 MPa and a high crystallite orientation of 0.909 were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycaprolactone/poly (l -lactic acid) composite micro/nanofibrous membranes (PPA) were prepared through solution blow spinning (SBS), using biodegradable poly (l -lactic acid) (PLLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) as the raw materials. PPA were characterized with FTIR, SEM, XPS, TGA, and XRD. The effects of SBS parameters on the morphology, porosity, density, mechanical property and oil adsorption properties of PPA were investigated. PPA with different mass ratio of PCL/PLLA had different fiber diameter and porosity. PPA with PCL/PLLA mass ratio 1:4 expressed higher oil adsorption capacity than the raw materials, being 24.56 g/g, 14.54 g/g and 13.28 g/g to crude oil, peanut oil and diesel oil, respectively. The oil adsorption capacity could remain about 50% after 10 cycles of reuse. PPA had good hydrophobicity (water contact angle up to 155° and oil/water adsorption selectivity 26:1). The obtained PPA membrane is potential as adsorbent to separate oil from oil/water mixture. Image 1 • Polycaprolactone/Poly (l -lactic acid) micro/nanofibrous membranes (PPA) were prepared through solution blow spinning. • The water contact angle of PPA membrane was up to 155°. • The oil adsorption capacity of PPA to crude oil was up to 24.56 g/g. • The oil/water adsorption selectivity of PPA was 26:1. • The oil adsorption capacity could remain about 50% after 10 cycles of reuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Polymer dielectrics based on graded nanocomposites were prepared by SBS. • A design of dielectric was based on superposition of PVDF/MWCNT layers. • Particular dispositions of PVDF/MWCNT layers lead to especial dielectric behaviors. • 13 layers of PVDF/MWCNT allowed increasing the dielectric constant by 90%. For the first time polymer-based graded nanocomposites were prepared by solution blow spinning, SBS, looking for new materials with optimal dielectric behavior. SBS was used as the processing method to apply layer by layer multi-walled carbon nanotubes, MWCNT, filled poly(vinylidene fluoride), PVDF, nanocomposites of well controlled compositions. Different configurations in terms of the disposition of layers with distinct concentration of MWCNT were considered. The structure, morphology and thermal behavior of the materials prepared were investigated so as their broadband dielectric properties in order to find and understand possible correlations. Morphological and slight structural changes were observed as a function of MWCNT concentration; however, they do not seem to be the main factors affecting the variations observed in the dielectric behavior of the materials under study. It was demonstrated that a particular design of PVDF based dielectrics, for which there is a particular gradient of MWCNT concentration, importantly increases the permittivity without increasing dielectric losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent progress in microfluidic technology allows fabricating microfluidic devices to produce liquid microjets with unprecedented control of the jet diameter and velocity. Here it is demonstrated that microfluidic devices based on the gas dynamic virtual nozzle principle can be excellently used for micro solution blow spinning to continuously fabricate microfibers with excellent control of the fiber diameter and the internal crystalline alignment that determines the mechanical properties. Fiber spinning experiments with small‐ and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering are combined to directly relate the macroscopic spinning conditions to the bulk and molecular structure of the resulting fibers. The elongational rate is shown as the relevant parameter that transduces the nozzle flow conditions to the local macromolecular structure and orientation, and thus the mechanical properties of the resulting fiber. It is observed that the spinning process results in very uniform microfibers with a well‐defined shish–kebab crystal structure, which evolves into an extended chain crystal structure upon plastic deformation. Thus, the presented microfluidic spinning methodology has great implications for a precisely controlled production of microfibers using miniaturized spinning devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional wound dressings are difficult to apply to large total body surface area (TBSA) wounds, as they typically are prefabricated, require a layer of adhesive coating for fixation, and need frequent replacement for entrapped exudate. Large TBSA wounds as well as orthopedic trauma and low‐resource surgery also have a high risk of infection. In this report, a sprayable and intrinsically adhesive wound dressing loaded with antimicrobial silver is investigated that provides personalized fabrication with minimal patient contact. The dressing is composed of adhesive and biodegradable poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PLGA/PEG) blend fibers with or without silver salt (AgNO3). in vitro studies demonstrate that the PLGA/PEG/Ag dressing has antimicrobial properties and low cytotoxicity, with antimicrobial silver controllably released over 7–14 days. In a porcine partial‐thickness wound model, the wounds treated with both antimicrobial and nonantimicrobial PLGA/PEG dressings heal at rates similar to those of the clinical, thin film polyurethane wound dressing, with similar scarring. However, PLGA/PEG adds a number of features beneficial for wound healing: greater exudate absorption, integration into the wound, a 25% reduction in dressing changes, and tissue regeneration with greater vascularization. There is also modest improvement in epidermis thickness compared to the control wound dressing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functional polymeric micro-/nanofibers have emerged as promising materials for the construction of structures potentially useful in biomedical fields. Among all kinds of technologies to produce polymer fibers, spinning methods have gained considerable attention. Herein, we provide a recent review on advances in the design of micro- and nanofibrous platforms via spinning techniques for biomedical applications. Specifically, we emphasize electrospinning, solution blow spinning, centrifugal spinning, and microfluidic spinning approaches. We first introduce the fundamentals of these spinning methods and then highlight the potential biomedical applications of such micro- and nanostructured fibers for drug delivery, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and sensing/biosensing. Finally, we outline the current challenges and future perspectives of spinning techniques for the practical applications of polymer fibers in the biomedical field.

Advanced filter materials with high efficiency, low-pressure drop, and high-temperature resistance are urgently needed in the field of high-temperature gas filtration. Here, an Al 2 O 3 -stabilized ZrO 2 (ASZ) submicron fiber air filter paper with excellent flexibility and thermal stability (up to 1100 °C) is developed using a cost-effective, scalable solution blow spinning method and subsequent calcination. The ASZ papers demonstrate excellent flexibility and foldability, which can be attributed to the tetragonal phase and small crystallite size of the ASZ fibers due to the presence of Al 2 O 3 . In addition, the ASZ papers with an areal density of 56 mg cm -2 show a high filtration efficiency (99.56%) and a low-pressure drop (108 Pa) for 15-615 nm NaCl particles at an airflow velocity of 5.4 cm s -1 . We envision that the foldable all-ceramic air filter material will provide a solution for the removal of particulate matter from the high-temperature exhaust gases.

• Novel wet type solution blow spinning using water mist/vapor coagulant. • Preparation of fine regenerated cellulose fibers from an ionic-liquid solution. • Fibers with an average diameter of ˜1 μm, high crystallinity, and high orientation. • Spinning conditions decisive for fiber structure and tensile properties. A wet type solution blow spinning system with a water-mist coagulation chamber was developed to spin fine regenerated cellulose fibers from the non-volatile ionic liquid solvent 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium diethyl phosphate. The molecular weight distribution of cellulose, and the rheological properties and spinnability of its spinning solution were evaluated. Scanning electron microscope observations indicated that the fine water mist/vapor was important for efficient coagulation of the stretched solution jets. Under optimized spinning parameters, a non-woven fabric was obtained consisting of fine fibers with an average diameter of 0.98 ± 0.62 μm. The tensile strength of the samples was greatly influenced by the fabric structure formed upon regeneration of cellulose from solution. X-ray diffraction and polarized optical microscopy measurements revealed that the prepared cellulosic non-woven fabric was highly crystalline and had a well-defined molecular orientation, respectively, which might have contributed to the increased tensile strength. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantifiable sensing of common microbes in chronic wounds has the potential to enable an objective assessment of wound healing for diagnostic applications. Sensing platforms should be robust, simple, and flexible to provide clinicians with a point-of-care tool. In this work, solution blow spun poly (lactic acid)/multiwalled carbon nanotube nanofiber composites are used to detect the presence and concentration of Pseudomonas putida in vitro using changes in impedance. Impedance microbiology (IM) is a well-documented diagnostic technique used in many applications, including cancer detection, tuberculosis screening and pregnancy tests. Twenty-four hour real-time measurements of the equivalent circuit of three culture media were taken with an inductance, capacitance, and resistance (LCR) meter. Variations in impedance were calculated to correspond to the growth of P. putida. Additionally, instantaneous measurements of bacterial cultures were taken over a one-minute time point to display the fast sensing of bacterial load via IM. This proof-of-concept shows that conductive solution blow spun fiber mats is a valid fabrication technique to develop in situ wound dressing impedance sensors. Study results indicate successful measurement and quantification of bacterial growth in this proof-of-concept study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanosilver immobilized on TiO 2 nanometric fibers (Ag/TiO 2) was produced by solution blow spinning and characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, N 2 adsorption/desorption, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, water contact angle, and inductively coupled plasma emission spectroscopy analyses. The in vitro antimicrobial and anticancer activities of the produced nanofibers was also investigated. Ag/TiO 2 nanofibers revealed a crystalline structure compatible with the rutile crystalline phase, as well as a mesoporous and superhydrophilic nature. XPS profiles showed Ti4+ and Ag0, indicating a strong interaction between the Ag nanoparticles and TiO 2. The Ag/TiO 2 nanofibers presented antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus , Enterococcus faecalis , and Escherichia coli. The release of silver ions from 5 mg∙mL−1 and 50 mg∙mL−1 of Ag/TiO 2 nanofibers was approximately 0.08 μg∙mL−1 and 0.18 μg∙mL−1, respectively. The nanofiber cytotoxicity in both macrophages (ATCC RAW 264.7) and cancer cells (murine AT-84 oral squamous carcinoma cells) was dose-dependent. A concentration of 5 mg∙mL−1 induced partial suppression growth and migration of cancer cells, while a concentration of 50 mg∙mL−1 resulted in complete inhibition of proliferation and migration of murine AT-84 cells. The overall results indicate that Ag/TiO 2 nanofibers can selectively inhibit the cellular mechanism of AT-84 by apoptosis with DNA damage and cell death. The antimicrobial and anticancer performance of Ag/TiO 2 nanofibers is probably the result of its nanometric dimension, high surface reactivity, and the interaction between TiO 2 and Ag. Electron transfer at the metal–semiconductor interface and reactive oxygen species production, in addition to the biological activity of released silver ions, confirm the potential for use as an agent in antimicrobial and anticancer therapy. Unlabelled Image • Antitumor and antimicrobial Ag/TiO 2 nanofibers were successfully produced by SBS. • Ag/TiO 2 nanofiber mats were efficient against S. aureus , E. faecalis , and E. coli. • Ag/TiO 2 nanofibers exhibited significant toxicity against AT-84 cancer cells. • Ag0 on the TiO 2 surface contributed to high performance of Ag/TiO 2 nanofibers. • Ag/TiO 2 nanofibers have a strong potential for local cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-powered nanogenerators composed of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) have received much attention. Solution blow spinning (SBS) is a neoteric process for preparing nanofiber mats with high efficiency and safely, and SBS is a mature fiber-forming technology that offers many advantages over conventional electrospinning methods. Herein, we adopted the SBS method to prepare independent PVDF nanofiber membranes (NFMs), and successfully employed them as nanogenerators. Finally, we tested the change in the output current caused by mechanical compression and stretching, and studied its durability and robustness by charging the capacitor, which can drive tiny electronic devices. The results show that the PVDF nanogenerators by using this SBS equipment can not only be used in wearable electronic textiles, but are also suitable for potential applications in micro-energy harvesting equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solution blow spun polystyrene (PS) nanofibers were produced from 20 to 30 wt % PS solutions using toluene (industrial solvent) and orange oil (green solvent). The latter being composed of d‐limonene (97.06%) as determined by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy. The rheological behavior and volatility of the solvents and polymer solutions were correlated with fiber morphology, accessed by scanning electron microscopy. Thermal analysis was used to determine the thermal behavior of fibers. The antimicrobial activity of orange oil was tested for potential applications of the spun mats in active food packaging. Results showed that the nanofibers spun from orange oil solutions had average diameters of 306 ± 74 nm as opposed to 441 ± 110 nm for toluene. Moreover, when compared with fiber spun from toluene solutions, orange oil yielded more flexible fibers with slightly lower contact angles and better antimicrobial properties due to the presence of residual oil confirmed by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47337. Polystyrene nanofibrous mats with green solvent (orange oil) by the technique of solution blow spun (SBS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, microfibers of poly(L‐lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) and PLGA/polypyrrole (PPy) composite (90/10 wt%) are produced by using the solution blow spinning (SBS) technique. PPy is synthesized by the oxidative polymerization method using p‐toluenesulfonic acid (p‐TSA) as the dopant and FeCl3 as the oxidant. The prepared PPy showed microfibers with globular particles morphology. Mixtures of porous and nonporous microfibers and microfibers incorporated with PPy are obtained. A wettability test shows that the PLGA and PLGA/PPy fibrous mats are hydrophobic. The electrical conductivity of the PLGA/PPy composite is of the same order as that of pure PLGA (≈10−10 S cm−1), indicating that the electrical percolation threshold is not reached for PPy loading of 10 wt%. The incorporation of PPy into PLGA microfibers improved the thermal stability of the composite and also increases the PLGA crystalline phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional wound dressings are difficult to apply to large total body surface area (TBSA) wounds, as they typically are prefabricated, require a layer of adhesive coating for fixation, and need frequent replacement for entrapped exudate. Large TBSA wounds as well as orthopedic trauma and low-resource surgery also have a high risk of infection. In this report, a sprayable and intrinsically adhesive wound dressing loaded with antimicrobial silver is investigated that provides personalized fabrication with minimal patient contact. The dressing is composed of adhesive and biodegradable poly(lactic- co -glycolic acid) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PLGA/PEG) blend fibers with or without silver salt (AgNO 3 ). in vitro studies demonstrate that the PLGA/PEG/Ag dressing has antimicrobial properties and low cytotoxicity, with antimicrobial silver controllably released over 7-14 days. In a porcine partial-thickness wound model, the wounds treated with both antimicrobial and nonantimicrobial PLGA/PEG dressings heal at rates similar to those of the clinical, thin film polyurethane wound dressing, with similar scarring. However, PLGA/PEG adds a number of features beneficial for wound healing: greater exudate absorption, integration into the wound, a 25% reduction in dressing changes, and tissue regeneration with greater vascularization. There is also modest improvement in epidermis thickness compared to the control wound dressing., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest., (© 2019 The Authors. Bioengineering & Translational Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of The American Institute of Chemical Engineers.)

Objectives: In this study hybrid nanofibers embedded with niobium pentoxide (Nb 2 O 5 ) were synthesized, incorporated in self-adhesive resin cement, and their influence on physical-properties was evaluated., Methods: Poly(D,L-lactide), PDLLA cotton-wool-like nanofibers with and without silica-based sol-gel precursors were formulated and spun into submicron fibers via solution blow spinning, a rapid fiber forming technology. The morphology, chemical composition and thermal properties of the spun fibers were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. Produced fibers were combined with a self-adhesive resin cement (RelyX U200, 3M ESPE) in four formulations: (1) U200 resin cement (control); (2) U200+1wt.% PDLLA fibers; (3) U200+1wt.% Nb 2 O 5 -filled PDLLA composite fibers and (4) U200+1wt.% Nb 2 O 5 /SiO 2 -filled PDLLA inorganic-organic hybrid fibers. Physical properties were assessed in flexure by 3-point bending (n=10), Knoop microhardness (n=5) and degree of conversion (n=3). Data were analyzed with One-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD (α=5%)., Results: Composite fibers formed of PDLLA-Nb 2 O 5 exhibited an average diameter of ∼250nm, and hybrid PDLLA+Nb 2 O 5 /SiO 2 fibers were slightly larger, ∼300nm in diameter. There were significant differences among formulations for hardness and flexural strength (p<0.05). Degree of conversion of resin cement was not affected for all groups, except for Group 4 (p<0.05)., Significance: Hybrid reinforcement nanofibers are promising as fillers for dental materials. The self-adhesive resin cement with PDLLA+Nb 2 O 5 and PDLLA+Nb 2 O 5 /SiO 2 presented superior mechanical performance than the control group., (Copyright © 2019 The Academy of Dental Materials. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) has attracted interest from the biomaterials community owing to its stimuli responsive piezoelectric property and promising results for application in the field of tissue engineering. Here, solution blow spinning and electrospinning were employed to fabricate PVDF fibres and the variation in resultant fibre properties assessed. The proportion of piezoelectric β-phase in the solution blow spun fibres was higher than electrospun fibres. Fibre production rate was circa three times higher for solution blow spinning compared to electrospinning for the conditions explored. However, the solution blow spinning method resulted in higher fibre variability between fabricated batches. Fibrous membranes are capable of generating different cellular response depending on fibre diameter. For this reason, electrospun fibres with micron and sub-micron diameters were fabricated, along with successful inclusion of hydroxyapatite particles to fabricate stimuli responsive bioactive fibres.

Abstract This work shows the successful production of alumina nanofibers after thermal treatment of solution blow spun hybrid fibers. These nanofibers were converted into γ-Al2O3 and α-Al2O3 after the thermal treatment in air between 500 to 1200 °C. The X-ray diffraction patterns presented all the characteristics of the γ and α phases of alumina. In addition, the scanning electron micrographs showed alumina nanofiber diameters varying between 200 and 270 nm for different temperatures. The results demonstrated that the solution blowing spinning method is efficient to produce alumina nanofibers.

Highly conductive elastic composites were constructed using multistep solution-based fabrication methods that included the deposition of a nonwoven polymer fiber mat through solution blow spinning and nanoparticle nucleation. High nanoparticle loading was achieved by introducing silver nanoparticles into the fiber spinning solution. The presence of the silver nanoparticles facilitates improved uptake of silver nanoparticle precursor in subsequent processing steps. The precursor is used to generate a second nanoparticle population, leading to high loading and conductivity. Establishing high nanoparticle loading in a microfibrous block copolymer network generated deformable composites that can sustain electrical conductivities reaching 9000 S/cm under 100% tensile strain. These conductive elastic fabrics can retain at least 70% of their initial electrical conductivity after being stretched to 100% strain and released for 500 cycles. This composite material system has the potential to be implemented in wearable electronics and robotic systems.

Cinnamaldehyde, a natural preservative that can non-specifically deactivate foodborne pathogens, was successfully incorporated into fish skin gelatin (FSG) solutions and blow spun into uniform nanofibers. The effects of cinnamaldehyde ratios (5-30%, w / w FSG) on physicochemical properties of fiber-forming emulsions (FFEs) and their nanofibers were investigated. Higher ratios resulted in higher values in particle size and viscosity of FFEs, as well as higher values in diameter of nanofibers. Loss of cinnamaldehyde was observed during solution blow spinning (SBS) process and cinnamaldehyde was mainly located on the surface of resultant nanofibers. Nanofibers all showed antibacterial activity by direct diffusion and vapor release against Escherichia coli O157:H7 , Salmonella typhimurium , and Listeria monocytogenes . Inhibition zones increased as cinnamaldehyde ratio increased. Nanofibers showed larger inhibition effects than films prepared by casting method when S . typhimurium was exposed to the released cinnamaldehyde vapor, although films had higher remaining cinnamaldehyde than nanofibers after preparation. Lower temperature was favorable for cinnamaldehyde retention, and nanofibers added with 10% cinnamaldehyde ratio showed the highest retention over eight-weeks of storage. Results suggest that FSG nanofibers can be prepared by SBS as carriers for antimicrobials., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Front Cover: A method with a rapid, robust, and flexible nanofiber manufacturing process by solution blow spinning (SBS) is built. Fibers can be produced by spinning at a rate that makes the effective mass production of nanofibers and highly loaded nanofiller possible. The prepared composite nanofibers could potentially be used as an inter‐reinforcing agent of CFRP and as a buffer, and in biomedical fields. Further details can be found in the article by Eunji Kuk, Yu‐Mi Ha, Jaesang Yu, Ik‐Tae Im, Yonjig Kim,* and Yong Chae Jung* on page 364. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solution blow spinning (SBS) is a technique that can be used to deposit fibers in situ at low cost for a variety of applications, which include biomedical materials and flexible electronics. This review is intended to provide an overview of the basic principles and applications of SBS. We first describe a method for creating a spinnable polymer solution and stable polymer solution jet by manipulating parameters such as polymer concentration and gas pressure. This method is based on fundamental insights, theoretical models, and empirical studies. We then discuss the unique bundled morphology and mechanical properties of fiber mats produced by SBS, and how they compare with electrospun fiber mats. Applications of SBS in biomedical engineering are highlighted, showing enhanced cell infiltration and proliferation versus electrospun fiber scaffolds and in situ deposition of biodegradable polymers. We also discuss the impact of SBS in applications involving textiles and electronics, including ceramic fibers and conductive composite materials. Strategies for future research are presented that take advantage of direct and rapid polymer deposition via cost-effective methods.

There is increasing focus on the development of bioactive scaffolds for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine that mimic the native nanofibrillar extracellular matrix. Solution blow spinning (SBS) is a rapid, simple technique that produces nanofibers with open fiber networks for enhanced cell infiltration. In this work, highly porous bioactive fibers were produced by combining SBS with thermally induced phase separation. Fibers composed of poly(d,l-lactide) (PLA) and dimethyl carbonate were sprayed directly into a cryogenic environment and subsequently lyophilized, rendering them highly porous. The surface areas of the porous fibers were an order of magnitude higher in comparison with smooth control fibers of the same diameter (43.5 m 2 ·g -1 for porous fibers produced from 15% w/v PLA in dimethyl carbonate) and exhibited elongated surface pores. Macroporous scaffolds were produced by spraying water droplets simultaneously with fiber formation, creating a network of fibers and ice microspheres, which act as in situ macroporosifiers. Subsequent lyophilization resulted in three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds formed of porous nanofibers with interconnected macropores due to the presence of the ice spheres. Nanobioactive glass was incorporated for the production of 3D macroporous, bioactive, therapeutic-ion-releasing scaffolds with potential applications in non-load-bearing bone tissue engineering. The bioactive characteristics of the fibers were assessed in vitro through immersion in simulated body fluid. The release of soluble silica ions was faster for the porous fibers within the first 24 h, with confirmation of hydroxyapatite on the fiber surface within 84 h.

Infection and thrombosis associated with medical implants cause significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. As we know, current technologies to prevent infection and thrombosis may cause severe side effects. To overcome these complications without using antimicrobial and anticoagulant drugs, we attempt to prepare a liquid-infused poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene) (SIBS) microfiber coating, which can be directly coated onto medical devices. Notably, the SIBS microfiber was fabricated through solution blow spinning. Compared to electrospinning, the solution blow spinning method is faster and less expensive, and it is easy to spray fibers onto different targets. The lubricating liquids then wick into and strongly adhere the microfiber coating. These slippery coatings can effectively suppress blood cell adhesion, reduce hemolysis, and inhibit blood coagulation in vitro. In addition, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) on the lubricant infused coatings slides readily, and no visible residue is left after tilting. We furthermore confirm that the lubricants have no effects on bacterial growth. The slippery coatings are also not cytotoxic to L929 cells. This liquid-infused SIBS microfiber coating could reduce the infection and thrombosis of medical devices, thus benefiting human health.

The development of practical and efficient surgical sealants has the propensity to improve operational outcomes. A biodegradable polymer blend is fabricated as a nonwoven fiber mat in situ. After direct deposition onto the tissue of interest, the material transitions from a fiber mat to a film. This transition promotes polymer-substrate interfacial interactions leading to improved adhesion and surgical sealant performance., (© 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Block copolymer silver nanoparticle composite elastic conductors were fabricated through solution blow spinning and subsequent nanoparticle nucleation. The reported technique allows for conformal deposition onto nonplanar substrates. We additionally demonstrated the ability to tune the strain dependence of the electrical properties by adjusting nanoparticle precursor concentration or localized nanoparticle nucleation. The stretchable fiber mats were able to display electrical conductivity values as high as 2000 ± 200 S/cm with only a 12% increase in resistance after 400 cycles of 150% strain. Stretchable elastic conductors with similar and higher bulk conductivity have not achieved comparable stability of electrical properties. These unique electromechanical characteristics are primarily the result of structural changes during mechanical deformation. The versatility of this approach was demonstrated by constructing a stretchable light emitting diode circuit and a strain sensor on planar and nonplanar substrates.