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Electrospinning is a cost-effective but very intricate method of producing polymeric nanofibers at room temperature. Unfortunately however, it is extremely difficult to predict the diameter or other properties of the fibers produced via electrospinning a prior. In this paper, we present a new approach to simulate fiber formation during electrospinning. Our work builds on the mathematical framework that was originally developed by Reneker and Yarin in 2000. Our approach incorporates the 3D electrostatic field that surrounds the fiber in a Lagrangian discrete particle tracking algorithm that tracks the trajectory of the fiber in air and predicts its deposition velocity and diameter. We investigate the effects of electrostatic field spatial variation on fiber electrospinning and compare our results with those obtained using a constant electrostatic field, the traditional approach, and with experiments (conducted using polyurethane). We considered three different electrospinning configurations of single-needle-plate-collector, single-needle-drum-collector, and two-needles-drum-collector to investigate how different electrostatic fields impact fiber formation. The computational model developed in this work helps to advance the current state of the art in modeling the electrospinning process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrospinning is an important technique to fabricate nanofibers. In recent years, near-field electrospinning (NFES) has been developed to enhance the control of nanofiber deposition compared to conventional electrospinning, achieved by reducing the operating distance and electric field. This enables the construction of high-aspect ratio 3D structures in a self-aligned, layer-by-layer manner. However, the alignment of fiber deposition can be hindered by charge accumulation in the polymer fibers. Furthermore, a theoretical understanding of the underlying fiber deposition mechanism is still lacking. Herein, we present a numerical model for studying the charge transport, dissipation, and accumulation of NFES polymer fiber deposition. The model reveals that the presence of a trapped state in polymeric materials imposes limitations on the quality of charged fiber deposition. Moreover, the effect of different substrate materials on charge dissipation in fiber deposition is studied. To validate the model, we compare the simulation results with NFES experiments, demonstrating qualitative agreement. We also analyze the effect of the fiber materials and experimental parameters on the printing quality. This model provides an approach to analyze and optimize the operating parameters of NFES to achieve precise and stable nanofiber deposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalysts are currently widely used in various research and industrial fields, from water and air purification to solar energy, from self‐cleaning surfaces to wearable biosensors and electronic devices. Among semiconductors, the growing interest is attracted to gallium oxide, especially β‐Ga2O3, due to the unique physical, chemical (especially acid‐resistance), physical–chemical, photochemical properties, and redox potential. These photocatalysts can be used not only as suspended mixture, but also in the form of films, nanoparticles, and nanofibers. The last one is more challenging due to the high level of surface‐to‐volume ratio, porousness, air and water permeability, and excellent morphological and physical–mechanical properties. Moreover, electrospinning techniques, in comparison with fabrication of nanoparticles, allow to obtain photocatalytic devices without usage of additional carrying base, which simplify the industrial process. However, to date there are limited publications related to the Ga2O3 electrospun nanofibers. The aim of this review is to summarize current results of gallium oxide electrospun nanofibers preparation. Special attention is given to the technological parameters of the electrospinning, the polymer solution receipts, and the properties of such nanomaterials and its potential application. Despite the limited number of publications related to Ga2O3 fibers fabrications, that data collected in this review article demonstrate great potential for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the challenge of low-temperature catalytic activity of oxygen electrodes, a high-activity triplex ionic conductor material, PrBa 0.5 Sr 0.5 Co 1.5 Fe 0.5 O 5+δ (PBSCF), is prepared using electrospinning. The preparation PBSCF and BaZr 0.1 Ce 0.7 Y 0.1 Yb 0.1 O 3-δ (BZCYYb) nanofibers composite electrodes are used with different composite methods to improve the catalytic activity and the proton transport pathway within the electrode. The results show that PBSCF@BZCYYb prepared by PBSCF and BZCYYb pre-mixed one-step electrospinning has high porosity and 3D interwoven continuous transmission path, exhibiting minimal polarization impedance on symmetric cells. The electrolysis cell with PBSCF@BZCYYb|BZCYYb|NiO-BZCYYb (active layer) |NiO-BZCYYb (support layer) structure shows electrolysis current densities of 775.4 mA cm−2 under 1.3 V at 650 °C with 20%H 2 O+80%Air atmosphere. Additionally, during the constant voltage electrolysis, the cell shows acceptable stability in 60 h at 650 °C, considered to be a promising oxygen electrode material in this work. [Display omitted] • Electrospinning was applied to fabricated PBSCF or PBSCF@BZCYYb hollow nano fibers. • PBSCF@BZCYYb hollow fiber with a 3D continuous fast transmission path was regulated. • Compared to the other two electrodes, PBSCF@BZCYYb exhibits good catalytic activity. • The cell with PBSCF@BZCYYb electrode shows acceptable stability in 60 h at 650 oC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supercapacitors (SCs) are crucial for high‐performance energy storage, offering high power density, swift charge–discharge rates, and durability. The enhancement of their performance hinges on the development of advanced electrode materials. This study presents an innovative method involving polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers adorned with manganese dioxide (MnO₂) nanoparticles (NPs), created through electrospinning and subsequent thermal treatment. This synergy exploits the extensive surface area and electrical conductivity of PAN nanofibers along with the substantial capacitance of MnO₂. The MnO₂‐coated PAN nanofibers reached an impressive specific capacitance of 247 F g−1 at a scan rate of 10 mVs−1, markedly boosting the efficacy of all‐solid‐state asymmetric SCs. The SCs, incorporating a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/potassium hydroxide (KOH) gel electrolyte, exhibited an energy density of 8.2 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 700 W kg−1, preserving 80.4% of their original capacitance after 5000 cycles. This research is pioneering in combining MnO₂ with PAN nanofibers, marking a significant leap forward in supercapacitor technology with enhanced energy storage capacity and prolonged stability. These findings underscore the promise of these composite materials in future energy storage solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, SiBCN fibers with excellent electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption performance were fabricated using electrospinning technology, followed by curing, pyrolysis, and heat treatment. Microstructure evolution and EMW absorption performance of SiBCN fibers after heat treatment at 1200–1600 °C were investigated. After heat treatment at 1200 °C, the conductive turbostratic C was precipitated from amorphous SiBCN fibers, resulting in minimum reflection loss (RL min) reaching −63 dB and efficient absorption bandwidth (EAB) reaching 5.2 GHz. While turbostratic C and nano-SiC grains were simultaneously precipitated from SiBCN fibers heat treated at 1400 °C, and the RL min reached −67 dB. The excellent EMW absorption performance of SiBCN fibers was mainly attributed to the synergistic effect of conductive loss, dipole polarization, and interfacial polarization. This work can guide the fabrication of high-performance EMW-absorbing ceramic fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vacancy engineering is a highly efficient approach to enhancing photocatalytic activity. This research presents an innovative development of ZnO/NiO coaxial heterojunction nanofibers (ZN 1/1) and ZnO/NiO coaxial heterojunction nanofibers with engineered oxygen vacancies (OVs-ZN 1/1) via electrospinning and annealing. Detailed characterization of the nanofiber microstructure was conducted using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The OVs-ZN 1/1 nanofibers demonstrated outstanding and unprecedented photocatalytic performance, achieving a 99 % degradation rate of Congo red dye (CR) under simulated solar light in just 45 min, with a good degradation coefficient of 0.091 min−1. Remarkably, the nanofibers' photocatalytic activity remained a high level even after five cycles. Moreover, the photocatalytic H 2 O 2 yield of OVs-ZN 1/1 increased 20 times as much as that of ZN 1/1. Experiments and mechanism analysis indicate that oxygen vacancy, as the electron trapping site of photoexcitation, accelerates the charge separation and transfer at the interface, thus promoting the adsorption and activation of target molecules. This study highlights the novel and superior performance of photochemical catalysts achieved through the strategic incorporation of oxygen vacancies and heterojunctions. [Display omitted] • Utilize coaxial electrospinning to fabricate high-density ZnO/NiO heterojunction nanofibers. • Enhance the photocatalytic performance of the nanofibers by generating oxygen vacancies (OVs). • OVs-ZN 1/1 efficiently catalyze Congo red degrading and H 2 O 2 production under simulated sunlight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocatalytic CO 2 reduction presents a promising strategy to alleviate environmental issues caused by massive CO 2 emissions. SrTiO 3 , a potential photocatalyst for photocatalytic CO 2 reactions, is limited by poor photoresponsivity and fast photogenerated carrier recombination. In this work, a series of Cu2+ species modified SrTiO 3 nanofibers (xCuO/STO) was prepared combining sol-gel method and electrospinning with different copper content. The CH 3 OH yield of the 0.08CuO/STO photocatalyst reached up to 5.75 ± 0.27 μmol g−1 h−1, which was 2.2 times higher than that of pure SrTiO 3. It was attributed that the blend electrospinning promoted Cu2+ species to be well dispersed on the surface of the SrTiO 3 nanofibers. The strategy effectively enhanced the light absorption of the photocatalyst and inhibited the recombination of the photogenerated carriers. Part of appropriate characterizations were employed to elucidate the above point. In addition, to explore the inherent mechanism between the two species, the Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were further applied in the inherent mechanism between the species. This work provided a blend electrospinning approach for designing cocatalyst-modified SrTiO 3 nanofibers for photocatalytic reduction of CO 2. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the fabrication and characterization of electrospun poly (ε-caprolactone)/poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (PCL/PVP) fibers integrated with a nanocomposite of chitosan, silver nanocrystals, and graphene oxide (ChAgG), aimed at developing advanced wound dressing materials. The ChAgG nanocomposite, recognized for its antimicrobial and biocompatible properties, was incorporated into PCL/PVP fibers through electrospinning techniques. We assessed the resultant fibers' morphological, physicochemical, and mechanical properties, which exhibited significant enhancements in mechanical strength and demonstrated effective antimicrobial activity against common bacterial pathogens. The findings suggest that the PCL/PVP-ChAgG fibers maintain biocompatibility and facilitate controlled therapeutic delivery, positioning them as a promising solution for managing chronic and burn-related wounds. This study underscores the potential of these advanced materials to improve healing outcomes cost-effectively, particularly in settings plagued by high incidences of burn injuries. Further clinical investigations are recommended to explore these innovative fibers' full potential and real-world applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effect of thermal treatment on the composition and morphology of cobalt oxide nanofibers synthesized via electrospinning. Cobalt acetate tetrahydrate and poly (vinyl alcohol) were used as precursors to produce cobalt acetate/poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofiber mats. The electrospun mats were subjected to various thermal treatments, including calcination in air at 500∘C, calcination under argon at 700∘C and 850∘C and treatment with water gas (CO and H2) at 180∘C. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction were employed to characterize the nanofibers. The results demonstrated that the polycondensation tendency of cobalt acetate and the supportive properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) led to the maintenance of nanofibrous morphology across all thermal treatments. Calcination in air produced dense, highly crystalline Co3O4 nanofibers. In contrast, calcination under argon at 700∘C resulted in an amorphous carbon matrix embedded with small cobalt-based nanoparticles, while at 850∘C, the nanofibers contained larger, highly crystalline cobalt nanoparticles. Thermal treatment with water gas transformed the nanofibers into nano-belts primarily composed of crystalline CoO and Co3O4, with minimal amorphous phase. This study highlights the critical influence of thermal treatment on the structural and compositional properties of cobalt-based nanofibers, offering insights for tailoring these materials for applications in catalysis, energy storage and electronic devices. The findings emphasize the potential of controlled thermal strategies to produce diverse cobalt-based nanostructures with distinct properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐performance polycrystalline calcium cobaltite ceramic was synthesized via electrospinning of nanoribbons, followed by dual‐process compaction using spark plasma sintering and edge‐free spark plasma texturing. The combination of nanoribbon electrospinning and this multistage sintering technique was employed for the first time and resulted in exceptionally well‐textured thermoelectric ceramics. The textured ceramic had excellent thermoelectric properties. At 1073 K, the ceramic exhibited an electrical conductivity of 268 S cm−1, a Seebeck coefficient of 247 µV K−1 and a heat conductivity of 3.3 W m−1 K−1. In addition, the power factor and figure‐of‐merit reached enormously high values of 16.3 µW cm−1 K−2 and 0.53, respectively. This represents the highest thermoelectric performance reported to date not only for electrospun, polycrystalline calcium cobaltite fiber ceramics, but also for undoped polycrystalline calcium cobaltite ceramics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction of highly efficient and self‐supported electrocatalysts with abundant active sites for pH‐universal hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and alkaline water splitting is significantly challenging. Herein, Co and MoC nanoparticles embedded in nitrogen‐doped carbon nanofibers (Co‐MoC/NCNFs) which display a bamboo‐like morphology are prepared by electrospinning followed by the carbonization method. The electrospun MoC possesses an ultrasmall size (≈5 nm) which can provide more active sites during electrocatalysis, while the introduction of Co greatly optimizes the electronic structure of MoC. Both endow the Co‐MoC/NCNFs with superior HER performances over a wide pH range, with low overpotentials of 86, 116, and 145 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline, acidic, and neutral media, respectively. Additionally, the catalyst exhibits remarkable alkaline oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity with an overpotential of 254 mV to reach 10 mA cm−2. Density functional theory calculations confirm that electron transfer from Co to MoC regulates the adsorption free energy for hydrogen, thereby promoting HER. Moreover, an electrolyzer assembled with Co‐MoC/NCNFs requires only a cell voltage of 1.59 V at 10 mA cm−2 in 1 m KOH. This work opens new pathways for the design of high‐efficiency electrocatalysts for energy conversion applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With its high energy density, lithium metal battery technology encounters empirical challenges such as pulverization and dendrite growth. These can hinder the achievement of long lifespans. To address these challenges, it is important to optimize the lithium charge behavior. Here, the determination of the appropriate structural conditions and processes to prevent the accumulation of lithium ions on the lithium surface is discussed. Employing a hierarchical structure of polymeric macro/mesopores at the lithium interface, the favorable behavior of lithium ions and the reaction process is monitored. And the way of alloying process is proposed, revealing lithium ion accepted alloyable metals make to lithium‐metal intermetallic compounds. The well‐distributed alloyable metals in the unidimensional polymeric interface have sufficient capacity to accommodate and transport lithium ions. This emphasizes the need for innovative strategies to address irregular lithium nucleation and enhance lithium metal battery technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights To address the need for efficient, flexible, and wearable power sources for portable electronics, a high performance triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) was proposed by incorporating vertically‐aligned barium titanate (BaTiO3)/antimony tin oxide (ATO) nanofibers in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) negative triboelectric layer, where BaTiO3 served as piezoelectric material, and ATO served as conductive filler. Silver‐coated conductive fabric was used as electrode to ensure integrability and wearability. By strategically coupling the triboelectric effect of PDMS, the piezoelectric effect of BaTiO3 nanofibers, and the charge transfer effect of ATO nanofibers, the TENG exhibited the optimum output voltage and current of approximately 119 V and 28 μA, and power density of 11.74 μW/cm2, respectively. This device demonstrates its potential applications in energy supply by effectively illuminating 174 commercial green LEDs and charging capacitors for powering electronics. Additionally, the successful integration of the TENG into a smart fencing jacket highlights its utility in practical applications. TENGs with vertically‐aligned BaTiO3/ATO composite nanofibers was constructed. The output performance of TENGs were enhanced by coupling triboelectric and piezoelectric effects. Conductive ATO nanofibers were incorporated to enhance charge transfer for performance enhancement. A smart fencing jacket with scoring system was developed using the wearable TENG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active packaging is a novel strategy for maintaining the shelf life of products and ensuring their safety, freshness, and integrity that has emerged with the consumer demand for safer, healthier, and higher quality food. Nanofibers have received a lot of attention for the application in active food packaging due to their high specific surface area, high porosity, and high loading capacity of active substances. Three common methods (electrospinning, solution blow spinning, and centrifugal spinning) for the preparation of nanofibers in active food packaging and their influencing parameters are presented, and advantages and disadvantages between these methods are compared. The main natural and synthetic polymeric substrate materials for the nanofiber preparation are discussed; and the application of nanofibers in active packaging is elaborated. The current limitations and future trends are also discussed. There have been many studies on the preparation of nanofibers using substrate materials from different sources for active food packaging. However, most of these studies are still in the laboratory research stage. Solving the issues of preparation efficiency and cost of nanofibers is the key to their application in commercial food packaging. HIGHLIGHTS: Electrospinning is the most used method to produce nanofibers for food packaging Solution blow and centrifugal spinning are novel for large-scale nanofiber production A variety of natural and synthetic polymers have been used for nanofiber production Progress has been made in the development of antimicrobial and antioxidant nanofibers Ethylene removal and moisture removal nanofibers have been successfully produced [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Due to the small number of autologous bone sources and the risk of immune rejection and disease spread caused by the use of allogeneic bone, artificial bone materials have played an irreplaceable role in bone transplantation today. Along with functional customization, biocompatibility requirements, and the emergence of biodegradable materials, a variety of biomaterials and a variety of preparation methods have emerged. OBJECTIVE: To summarize the preparation methods of scaffolds used in bone tissue engineering, and the advantages and disadvantages, research status and progress of various preparation methods. METHODS: A computer search was conducted on CNKI, WanFang Data, PubMed, and ScienceDirect databases for literature related to bone tissue engineering scaffold from January 2008 to August 2023. Chinese and English search terms were “tissue engineering, bone scaffold, gas foaming, cryotropic gelation, additive manufacturing”. After excluding irrelevant and repetitive studies, a total of 80 articles were retained for summary. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Compared with the traditional preparation process of scaffolds, the emerging additive manufacturing and electrospinning technologies have shown great potential in the production of complex structures such as bone and cartilage for tissue engineering in recent years, demonstrating enormous potential. (2) In addition to the advantages of speed, precision and the range of materials used, additive manufacturing methods also provide the feasibility of manufacturing highly complex geometry and topologically optimized structures, achieving precise adjustment and high repeatability of the structure. (3) Electrospinning is one of the most adaptable and promising technologies for the production of a series of fiber mats. The nanofiber scaffolds produced by electrospinning are biomaterials with surprisingly similar microstructures to the cytoplasmic matrix. (4) At present, hydroxyapatite and tricalcium phosphate are the best in ceramic materials, and there are a variety of materials in polymer materials, with excellent biocompatibility. (5) Therefore, the selection of materials should be based on a better understanding of their properties, avoiding complexity, and producing more enhanced scaffolds. However, most of the literature reports so far are exploratory in terms of clinical applicability, and the specific diseases for which they are suitable for treatment remain to be tested. The future development of bone scaffolds is reflected in the following aspects: mechanical properties matching the missing bone, controllable degradation rate, strong ability to promote bone regeneration, and specific functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrospun fiber-based photocatalysts demonstrate significant potential in addressing global environmental and energy challenges, primarily due to their high specific surface areas and unique properties. This review examines recent advances in the application of these materials in photocatalytic processes, with a particular focus on water splitting and hydrogen production. The principles of the electrospun method are described in detail, along with the operating parameters, material characteristics, and environmental conditions that affect the fiber formation. Additionally, the review discusses the challenges, advantages, and future prospects of photocatalysts incorporating carbon materials, metals, semiconductors, and hybrid structures with improved performance. These materials have the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of hydrogen energy production, water purification, and CO2 recovery, highlighting their importance in engineering sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, carbon nanotube (CNT)/carbon nanofiber (CNF) composite electrothermal films were prepared by electrospinning, and the effects of the CNT content and carbonization temperature on the electrothermal properties of the CNT/CNF composite films were investigated. The experimental results demonstrated that the conductivity of the CNT/CNF composite electrothermal film (0.006–6.89 S/cm) was directly affected by the CNT content and carbonization temperature. The electrothermal properties of the CNT/CNF positively correlated with the CNT content, carbonization temperature, and applied voltage. The surface temperature of CNT/CNF can be controlled within 30–260 °C, and continuously heated and cooled 100 times without any loss. The convective heat transfer with air is controllable between 0.008 and 31.75. The radiation heat transfer is controllable between 0.29 and 1.92. The prepared CNT/CNF exhibited a heat transfer efficiency of up to 94.5%, and melted a 1 cm thick ice layer within 3 min by thermal convection and radiation alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catalytic dehydrogenation of NaBH4 for the generation of H2 has a lot of potential as a reliable and achievable approach to make H2, which could be used as a safe and cost-effective energy source in the near future. This work describes the production of unique trimetallic NiCrPd-decorated carbon nanofiber (NiCrPd-decorated CNF) catalysts using electrospinning. The catalysts demonstrated exceptional catalytic activity in generating H2 through NaBH4 dehydrogenation. The catalysts were characterized using SEM, XRD, TEM, and TEM-EDX analyses. NiCrPd-decorated CNF formulations have shown higher catalytic activity in the dehydrogenation of NaBH4 compared with NiCr-decorated CNFs. It is likely that the better catalytic performance is because the three metals in the NiCrPd-decorated CNF structure interact with each other. Furthermore, the NiCrPd-decorated CNFs catalyzed the dehydrogenation of NaBH4 with an activation energy (Ea) of 26.55 KJ/mol. The kinetics studies showed that the reaction is first-order dependent on the dose of NiCrPd-decorated CNFs and zero-order dependent on the concentration of NaBH4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been widely applied in electronic communication, transportation, aerospace, and other fields, among which separators are vital for their electrochemical stability and safety. Electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-based separators have a large specific surface area, high porosity, and remarkable thermal stability, which significantly enhances the electrochemistry and safety of LIBs. First, this paper reviewed recent research hotspots and processes of electrospun PVDF-based LIB separators; then, their pivotal parameters influencing morphology, structures, and properties of separators, especially in the process of electrospinning solution preparation, electrospinning process, and post-treatment methods were summarized. Finally, the challenges of PVDF-based LIB separators were proposed and discussed, which paved the way for the application of electrospun PVDF-based separators in LIBs and the development of LIBs with high electrochemistry and security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their mechanical robustness and chemical resistance, composite electrospun membranes based on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are suitable for sensor applications. Aiming to improve the electrical characteristics of these membranes, this work investigated the effects of the addition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to PVC electrospun membranes, in terms of morphology and thermal and impedance behavior. Transmission electron microscopy images evidenced that most of the nanotubes were encapsulated within the fibers and oriented along them, while field-emission scanning electron micrographs revealed that the membranes consisted of uniform fibers with an average diameter of 339 ± 31 nm, regardless of the addition of the carbon nanotubes. With respect to the neat resin, the addition of nanotubes caused a significant lowering of the glass transition temperature (up to 20 °C) and a marked change in the second degradation step of PVC. Nyquist plots from electrical impedance spectra showed a charge transfer resistance (RCT) of 38 and 40 MΩ for neat PVC and PVC/CNT 3 wt.% membranes, respectively, indicating that, in the dry state, the encapsulation of CNTs in the fibers and the high porosity of the membranes prevented the formation of a percolation network, increasing the electrical resistance. In the wet state, however, there was a greater change in the impedance behavior, decreasing the resistance RCT to 4.5 and 1.1 MΩ, for neat PVC and PVC/CNT 3 wt.% membranes, respectively. The results of this study, showing a significant variation in impedance behavior between dry and wet membranes, are relevant for the development of various types of sensors based on PVC composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tissue engineering has great potential for the restoration of damaged tissue due to injury or disease. During tissue development, scaffolds provide structural support for cell growth. To grow healthy tissue, the principal components of such scaffolds must be biocompatible and nontoxic. Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) is a biopolymer that has been used as a key component of composite scaffolds for tissue engineering applications due to its mechanical strength and biodegradability. However, PCL alone can have low cell adherence and wettability. Blends of biomaterials can be incorporated to achieve synergistic scaffold properties for tissue engineering. Electrospun PCL-based scaffolds consist of single or blended-composition nanofibers and nanofibers with multi-layered internal architectures (i.e., core-shell nanofibers or multi-layered nanofibers). Nanofiber diameter, composition, and mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and drug-loading capacity are among the tunable properties of electrospun PCL-based scaffolds. Scaffold properties including wettability, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility have been further enhanced with scaffold layering, surface modification, and coating techniques. In this article, we review nanofibrous electrospun PCL-based scaffold fabrication and the applications of PCL-based scaffolds in tissue engineering as reported in the recent literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a facile way to fabricate a polymer/ceramics composite gel electrolyte to improve the overall properties of lithium-ion batteries. Lithium salt-grafted silica was synthesized and mixed with P(VDF-HFP) to produce a nanofiber film by the electrostatic spinning method. After coating a layer of SiO2 onto the surface of nanofibers through a sol-gel method, a composite nanofiber film was obtained. It was then immersed in plasticizer until saturation to make a composite gel electrolyte film. Electrochemical test results showed that the obtained gel electrolyte film shows high thermal stability (~450 °C), high ionic conductivity of 1.3 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 25 °C and a lithium-ion transference number of 0.58, and superior cycling stability, providing a new direction for manufacturing secondary batteries with higher safety and performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (ECO2RR) has emerged as a promising technology for achieving carbon neutralization. Even though considerable efforts are dedicated to gain deep insight into the understanding of ECO2RR on a mechanism level through density functional theory (DFT) studies, effects of solvent molecules and temperature have long been neglected by conventional DFT calculations as a consequence of limitations in current technologies and computational power of supercomputers. Under this context, the lack of comprehensive understanding over the energy changes in the reaction derived from the only concern on free energy changes between reaction intermediates have arouse an urgent call for exploring feasible calculation options toward generalized theoretical study. Here, a systematic mechanism study is provided toward ECO2RR via constrained ab initio molecular dynamics (cAIMD) simulations, in which the effects of solvent water molecules and temperature are taken into consideration to guide the synthesis of single‐atom alloy (SAA) catalyst. Consequently, the resultant Pr0.05/InBi achieves a maximum Faradic efficiency (FE) of 96.4% and an energy efficacy (EE) of 59.41% for formate. This work offers a novel approach to the design and screening of SAA catalysts, presenting foreseeable future in accelerating the industrial application process of ECO2RR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterostructure photocatalytic materials with a high surface area have garnered significant attention in recent years. In this investigation, we successfully synthesized g-C 3 N 4 /TiO 2 tubes using an enhanced impregnation-calcination method. The photocatalytic efficiency of the composite tubes was evaluated by examining the degradation of tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) solution, revealing a photocatalytic degradation rate 3.7 times and 8.0 times higher than that of pure TiO 2 and g-C 3 N 4 when subjected to simulated sunlight. The enhanced photocatalytic performance can be ascribed to the expanded specific surface area and enhanced separation rate of photo-generated charge carriers. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and trapping experiments revealed a possible photogenerated electrons transfer pathway in the degradation process of TCH. The photocatalytic fuel cell (PFC) system composed of the g-C 3 N 4 /TiO 2 tubes demonstrated remarkable performance in the concurrent degradation of TCH and electricity generation when being exposed to light. It achieved a short circuit current density of 26.9 mA/g/cm2 and a power density of 5.51 mW/g/cm2. The present study offers a cost-effective approach for both organic waste treatment and electrical power generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the production of continuous nanofiber bundles using needleless electrospinning with a focus on helical spinneret configurations. It delves into the effects of spinneret diameter, pitch length, and thickness on nanofiber bundle characteristics, employing polyacrylonitrile as the polymer. The research highlights the significant impact of these parameters on the nanofiber morphology, bundle width, productivity, and deposition properties of nanofiber bundles. Scanning electron microscopy imaging, bundle depositions analyses, and electric field modeling with COMSOL Multiphysics are applied for the nanofiber bundles electrospun by helical spinnerets. As the diameter of the spinneret increases, productivity, bundle width, deposition ratio, deposition intensity, and deposition homogeneity are increased significantly. Additionally, an increase in spinneret thickness leads to a decrease in average nanofiber diameter. Specifically, increasing the spinneret diameter from 30 to 50 mm, pitch length from 20 to 40 mm, and reducing thickness from 3 to 1 mm increases productivity by 170%, 72%, and 32%, respectively. As a result of practical and modeling studies on helical spinnerets, the optimized parameters are determined as 1 mm thickness, 40 mm pitch length, and 50 mm diameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEHs) developed from electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) fibers offer flexibility and superior piezoelectric output, making them promising for self‐powered systems and sensors. Nonetheless, the electromechanical conversion efficiency of conventional electrospun PVDF fibers is impeded by their limited pressure‐strain range. Herein, elastic porous PVDF microspheres are introduced in‐situ via electrospinning to craft a piezoelectric membrane with higher compressive strain. The PVDF microspheres are uniformly embedded between the fibers in a sandwich fashion, and their dimension is easily tunable by varying spinning solution's concentration. Moreover, the micropores on the PVDF microspheres created by removing pre‐mixed SiO2 template not only elevates the β crystal content of PVDF to 82.19%, but also improves the compressibility, significantly boosting the piezoelectric output. The microsphere alloyed PVDF PEH delivers a piezoelectric output of 33.0 V and a power density of 8 μW/cm2, over 5.8 times that of conventional electrospun PVDF membrane, and can consistently charge lithium‐ion batteries. Our research unveils a novel strategic path to modify fiber structured PEHs, advancing their applications in self‐powered systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various electrospun fibrous membranes have been addressed for oil/water separation owing to their advantages of high specific surface ratio, lightweight, and high porosity. However, they are commonly obtained by solution electrospinning of non‐green raw materials, which could cause serious environmental issues. To realize effective oil/water separation, the optimal processing parameters for melt electrospun polylactic acid (PLA) were determined through orthogonal experiments. Subsequently, PLA fibrous films with cellulose nanofiber (CNF) or sodium chloride (NaCl) for oil/water separation were produced via melt electrospinning. The effects of incorporating CNF or NaCl on the physiochemical properties of melt electrospun PLA fibrous membranes were investigated. In contrast to the pure PLA membranes, the obtained PLA/CNF and PLA/NaCl composite membranes exhibit a finer average fiber diameter and an increased porosity. Also, the oil absorption characteristics and oil/water separation abilities of these fibrous membranes were experimentally studied. In contrast to the 84.55% oil/water separation efficiency of melt‐electrospun PLA fibrous membranes, PLA/CNF exhibits the highest oil/water separation efficiency at 93.54%, whereas PLA/NaCl achieves a maximum efficiency of 90.29%. These findings show the applicability of the eco‐friendly PLA‐based melt electrospun fibrous membrane in the treatment of oily wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic wound healing remains a challenging issue, necessitating advanced dressings with active therapeutic agents to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Ecklonia cava phlorotannin (ECP) possesses therapeutic potential for wound healing including anti‐microbial, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory properties. Our previous study demonstrates the therapeutic efficacy of ECP‐loaded nanofibers in an in vitro hyperglycemic wound model. The present paper focuses on the detailed characterization of the polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) blend nanofiber incorporated with ECP. The ideal ratio, PVA80:PVP20, is selected to incorporate with ECP via the blend electrospinning method. To confirm the successful loading of ECP (0.5% and 1%), physicochemical characterization is conducted using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermal analysis. Functionality assays are performed to evaluate their applicability as dressing biomaterials. Physicochemical analyses confirm the successful loading of ECP into the nanofibers. Overall, the ECP‐loaded PVA/PVP nanofiber membranes exhibit favorable wound dressing criteria, which attributed to high water absorption capacity (200%–400%), sufficient water vapor transmission rate (1550–1650 g/m2/d), high loading efficiency and slow release. Bioactivity tests indicate that the ECP's effectiveness is unaffected by the electrospinning process. Importantly, these membranes exhibit biocompatibility and nontoxicity to human dermal fibroblasts, indicating their potential as good diabetic wound dressings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on developing an innovative packaging material for fresh strawberries composed of electrospun poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)/poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) fibers decorated by pure graphene oxide (GO) and functionalized GOs with silane agents using the electrospinning technique. Initially, synthesized GO was first functionalized by silane agents, and followed by the fabrication of electrospun PCL/PVP fibers incorporating both pure GO and functionalized GOs. The surface morphological analyses revealed the uniformity, smoothness, and beadless in the fabricated fibers. The average fiber diameter of the PCL/PVP/0.5A‐GO fibers was found as 3244 ± 56 nm. Electrospun PCL/PVP/0.5A‐GO and PCL/PVP/0.5G‐GO fibers exhibited increased water absorption ratios over 20 days. The incorporation of GO into the polymer matrix, along with an increase in GO concentration, enhanced the tensile strength of the fibers, found as 5.149 ± 0.032 kPa. In preservation tests on fresh strawberries, PCL/PVP/0.5A‐GO fibers demonstrated superior freshness compared with unpacked strawberries and other variants. The study also highlighted the inhibitory effects of fibers decorated with 0.5% APTES‐GO, showing the highest inhibition zone. In summary, fibers incorporating 0.5% A‐GO effectively extended the shelf‐life of fresh strawberries, making them a promising packaging material for perishable goods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound management is a critical aspect of healthcare, necessitating effective and innovative wound dressing materials. Many existing wound dressings lack effectiveness and exhibit limitations, including poor antimicrobial activity, toxicity, inadequate moisture regulation, and weak mechanical performance. The aim of this study is to develop a natural-based nanofibrous structure that possesses desirable characteristics for use as a wound dressing. The chemical analysis confirmed the successful creation of Zein (Ze) (25% w/v) /gelatin (Gel) (10% w/v) /chitosan (CS) (2% w/v) /Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) (10% w/v) nanofibrous scaffolds loaded with vitamin E tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (Vit E). The swelling percentages of nanofiber (NF), NF + Vit E, cross-linked nanofiber (CNF), and CNF + Vit E were 49%, 110%, 410%, and 676%, respectively; and the degradation rates of NF, NF + Vit E, CNF, and CNF + Vit E were 29.57 ± 5.06%, 33.78 ± 7.8%, 14.03 ± 7.52%, 43 ± 6.27%, respectively. The antibacterial properties demonstrated that CNF impregnated with antibiotics reduced Escherichia coli (E. coli) counts by approximately 27–28% and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) counts by about 34–35% compared to negative control. In conclusion, cross-linked Ze/Gel/CS/PVA nanofibrous scaffolds loaded with Vit E have potential as suitable wound dressing materials because environmentally friendly materials contribute to sustainable wound care and controlled degradation ensures wound dressings breakdown harmlessly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) achieves cooling by simultaneously reflecting sunlight and radiating heat to outer space, without consuming any external energy. Traditional PDRC designs use organic materials that are prone to aging and secondary pollution under solar illumination. Here, a flexible alumina fiber membrane (FAFM) is prepared using electrospinning technology. The fiber‐membrane hierarchical structure ensures macroscopic flexibility, allowing this inorganic material to be assembled on complex surfaces just like organic materials. It can efficiently dissipate heat by emitting infrared radiation that matches the atmospheric window and scattering sunlight. Importantly, it is notable that no aging phenomenon occurs even under prolonged ultraviolet irradiation, which brings additional benefits to its green energy‐saving properties. As a result, its outstanding fire resistance and thermal insulation prevent the possibility of spontaneous combustion in extremely hot weather during the summer and may serve as a multifunctional insulation layer for buildings. This preparation method promotes surface design based on more inorganic structural materials in the future, enabling the design of more low‐cost, highly flexible inorganic PDRC materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biosensors for wound dressings can enable point‐of‐care monitoring of wound bed health by exhibiting a color change visible to the naked eye, to alert healthcare providers of the presence of pathogenic bacteria. Here, a polydiacetylene‐based electrospun nanofibrous wound dressing for the detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa is reported. Using conventional blend electrospinning, two diacetylene monomers—10,12‐pentacosadiynoic acid (PCDA) and 10,12‐tricosadiynoic acid (TCDA)—are separately electrospun alongside polyurethane as a supporting matrix polymer. The differences in side‐chain length impact the sensitivity of the nanofibers in detecting P. aeruginosa. Furthermore, two DNA aptamers are conjugated to the polydiacetylenes to achieve targeted detection of P. aeruginosa. The aptamer‐modified dressings show improved sensitivity of detection toward eight strains of P. aeruginosa compared to the unmodified membranes. Furthermore, the aptamer‐modified membranes do not respond to non‐target bacteria methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli within 3 h of direct contact. Reducing the chain‐length of the diacetylene monomer by substituting PCDA with TCDA boosts the colorimetric response by a factor of >2x compared to the aptamer‐modified PCDA membranes, at the cost of reduced specificity. The aptamer‐conjugated polydiacetylene membranes show promise for application in point‐of‐care wound dressings for improved specificity of detection of bacterial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One-dimensional (1D) Y3Ga5O12:Pr3+ nanotubes (YGG:Pr3+ NTs) were prepared via single-nozzle electrospinning at 30% ambient humidity. The outer diameters of the YGG:Pr3+ NTs are between 190 and 210 nm, and the wall thickness is 35–45 nm. The nanotube consists of single-crystal YGG:Pr3+ nanoparticles. The optical properties of YGG:Pr3+ NTs with different Pr3+ concentrations, particularly their temperature-sensitive properties, were investigated. The YGG: 0.5% Pr3+ NTs exhibit the highest sensitivity of approximately 7.90 × 10−3 K−1 within the temperature range of 303–453 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver disease cases are rapidly expanding worldwide, and transplantation remains the only effective cure for end-stage disease. There is an increasing demand for developing potential drug treatments, and regenerative therapies using in-vitro culture platforms. Human decellularized extracellular matrix (dECM) is an appealing alternative to conventional animal tissues as it contains human-specific proteins and can serve as scaffolding materials. Herein we exploit this with human donor tissue from discarded liver which was not suitable for transplant using a synergistic approach to combining biological and topographical cues in electrospun materials as an in-vitro culture platform. To realise this, we developed a methodology for incorporating human liver dECM into electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) fibres with surface nanotopographies (230–580 nm). The hybrid scaffolds were fabricated using varying concentrations of dECM; their morphology, mechanical properties, hydrophilicity and stability were analysed. The scaffolds were validated using HepG2 and primary mouse hepatocytes, with subsequent results indicating that the modified scaffolds-maintained cell growth and influenced cell attachment, proliferation and hepatic-related gene expression. This work demonstrates a novel approach to harvesting the potential from decellularized human tissues in the form of innovative in-vitro culture platforms for liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring efficient and economical electrocatalysts to replace noble metal electrocatalysts has become a major research focus nowadays. In this paper, Ru-doped Co nanoparticles loaded on carbon nanosheet (CNS) in-situ grown on carbon nanofibers (Ru–Co@CNS/CNFs) were constructed as a self-supporting working electrode for high-efficiency hydrogen evolution. The prepared Ru–Co@CNS/CNFs possessed excellent catalytic activity with only 78 mV overpotential at 10 mA cm−2 current density and good stability with only 102 mV voltage attenuation at 100 mA cm−2 current density for 100 h continuous operation. The excellent catalytic performance could be attributed to the unique microstructure of the nanosheets in-situ grown on the nanofibers, it resulted in a higher Co surface density of 1.28 mg cm−2, indicating more loading of metal to improve catalytic activity of HER, and the formed Ru-doped Co nanoparticles could be evenly distributed on the carbon nanosheets to prevent the aggregation of nanoparticles, which could expose more active sites. Additionally, the density functional theory (DFT) calculations revealed Ru doping could accelerate the dissociation of water, optimize the adsorption energy of hydrogen intermediates and improve the kinetics of the HER reaction. This work provides a new approach to reduce the use of noble metals while improving the catalytic performance of catalysts. [Display omitted] • Microstructure of nanosheets in-situ grown on nanofiber was synthesized by electrospinning and immersion method. • The unique microstructure loaded more metal content and exposed more active site. • Ru doping accelerated water dissociation, optimized ΔG H* , and improved HER reaction kinetics. • The Ru–Co@CNS/CNFs catalyst possessed excellent catalytic performance (ƞ 10 = 78 mV, ƞ 100 = 228 mV). • It showed exceptional stability after testing for 100 h at the density of 100 mA cm−2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tendons enable movement through their highly aligned extracellular matrix (ECM), predominantly composed of collagen I. Tendinopathies disrupt the structural integrity of tendons by causing fragmentation of collagen fibers, disorganization of fiber bundles, and an increase in glycosaminoglycans and microvasculature, thereby driving the apparent biomechanical and regenerative capacity in patients. Moreover, the complex cellular communication within the tendon microenvironment ultimately dictates the fate between healthy and diseased tendon, wherein extracellular vesicles (EVs) may facilitate the tendon's fate by transporting biomolecules within the tissue. In this study, we aimed to elucidate how the EV functionality is altered in the context of tendon microenvironments by using polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun scaffolds mimicking healthy and pathological tendon matrices. Scaffolds were characterized for fiber alignment, mechanical properties, and cellular activity. EVs were isolated and analyzed for concentration, heterogeneity, and protein content. Our results show that our mimicked healthy tendon led to an increase in EV secretion and baseline metabolic activity over the mimicked diseased tendon, where reduced EV secretion and a significant increase in metabolic activity over 5 days were observed. These findings suggest that scaffold mechanics may influence EV functionality, offering insights into tendon homeostasis. Future research should further investigate how EV cargo affects the tendon's microenvironment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non-healing diabetic wounds represent a significant clinical challenge globally, necessitating innovative approaches in drug delivery to enhance wound healing. Understanding the pathogenesis of these wounds is crucial for developing effective treatments. Bioactive dressings and polymeric nanofibers have emerged as promising modalities, with silk biomaterials gaining attention for their unique properties in diabetic wound healing. Purpose of Review: The purpose of this review is to examine the challenges and innovations in treating non-healing diabetic wounds, emphasizing the global burden and the need for effective solutions. This review explores the complex mechanisms of wound healing in diabetes and evaluates the therapeutic potential of bioactive dressings and polymeric nanofibers. Special focus is given to the application of silk biomaterials, particularly silk fibroin, for wound healing, detailing their properties, mechanisms, and clinical translation. This review also describes various nanofiber fabrication methods, especially electrospinning technology, and presents existing evidence on the effectiveness of electrospun silk fibroin formulations. Recent Findings: Recent advancements highlight the potential of silk biomaterials in diabetic wound healing, owing to their biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and controlled drug release properties. Electrospun silk fibroin-based formulations have shown promising results in preclinical and clinical studies, demonstrating accelerated wound closure and tissue regeneration. Summary: Non-healing diabetic wounds present a significant healthcare burden globally, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies. Bioactive dressings and polymeric nanofibers, particularly silk-based formulations fabricated through electrospinning, offer promising avenues for enhancing diabetic wound healing. Further research is warranted to optimize formulation parameters and validate efficacy in larger clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG) based on halide perovskite materials has demonstrated significant promise for energy harvesting applications. However, the challenge of synthesizing halide perovskite materials with both high output performance and stability using a straightforward process persists as a substantial obstacle. Herein, we present the fabrication of CsPbI3 nanorods (NRs) exhibiting highly uniform orientation within polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) fibers through a simple texture engineering approach, marking the instance of enhancing PENG performance in this manner. The resultant composite fibers showcase a short-circuit current density (Isc) of 0.78 μA cm-2 and an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 81 V, representing a 2.5 fold increase compared to the previously reported highest value achieved without the electric poling process. This outstanding output performance is ascribed to the orientation of CsPbI3 NRs facilitated by texture engineering and dipole poling via the self-polarization effect. Additionally, the PENG exhibits exceptional thermal and water stability, rendering it suitable for deployment in diverse and challenging environmental conditions. Our findings underscore the significant potential of textured CsPbI3 NRs composite fibers for powering low-power consumer electronics, including commercial LEDs and electronic watches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lopinavir (LPV) and ritonavir (RTV) are two of the essential antiretroviral active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) characterized by poor solubility. Hence, attempts have been made to improve both their solubility and dissolution rate. One of the most effective approaches used for this purpose is to prepare amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs). To our best knowledge, this is the first attempt aimed at developing ASDs via the electrospinning technique in the form of fibers containing LPV and RTV. In particular, the impact of the various polymeric carriers, i.e., Kollidon K30 (PVP), Kollidon VA64 (KVA), and Eudragit® E100 (E100), as well as the drug content as a result of the LPV and RTV amorphization were investigated. The characterization of the electrospun fibers included microscopic, DSC, and XRD analyses, the assessment of their wettability, and equilibrium solubility and dissolution studies. The application of the electrospinning process led to the full amorphization of both the APIs, regardless of the drug content and the type of polymer matrix used. The utilization of E100 as a polymeric carrier for LPV and KVA for RTV, despite the beads-on-string morphology, had a favorable impact on the equilibrium solubility and dissolution rate. The results showed that the electrospinning method can be successfully used to manufacture ASDs with poorly soluble APIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dopamine (DA) is a widely present, calcium cholinergic neurotransmitter in the body, playing important roles in the central nervous system and cardiovascular system. Developing fast and sensitive DA detection methods is of great significance. Fluorescence-based methods have attracted much attention due to their advantages of easy operation, a fast response speed, and high sensitivity. This study prepared hydrophilic and high-performance CdS/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) for DA detection. The waterborne CdS/ZnS QDs were synthesized in one step using the amphiphilic polymer PEI-g-C14, obtained by grafting tetradecane (C14) to polyethyleneimine (PEI), as a template. The polyacrylonitrile nanofiber membrane (PAN-NFM) was prepared by electrospinning (e-spinning), and a metal organic frame (ZIF-8) was deposited in situ on the surface of the PAN-NFM. The CdS/ZnS QDs were loaded onto this substrate (ZIF-8@PAN-NFM). The results showed that after the deposition of ZIF-8, the water contact angle of the hydrophobic PAN-NFM decreased to within 40°. The nanofiber membrane loaded with QDs also exhibited significant changes in fluorescence in the presence of DA at different concentrations, which could be applied as a fast detection method of DA with high sensitivity. Meanwhile, the fluorescence on this PAN-NFM could be visually observed as it transitioned from a blue-green color to colorless, making it suitable for the real-time detection of DA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preparing electrospun fibers by applying a potential difference between a polymeric solution and a contacting substrate is increasingly attracting attention in tissue engineering applications. Among the numerous polymers, polycaprolactone (PCL) bioscaffold has been widely investigated due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. Bioactive powder can be added to further improve its performance. In the present study, bioactive glass powder modified by adding 0–6 wt.% antibacterial zinc element (coded as ZBG) was prepared through the sol–gel process. Furthermore, PCL bioscaffolds with various ZBG additions were prepared using the electrospinning technique. The zinc-doped bioactive glass powder and electrospun PCL/ZBG bioscaffolds were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to determine their structural properties. Additionally, in vitro bioactivity, biocompatibility and antibacterial performance were investigated. Experimental results showed that sol–gelled ZBG powder possessed superior bioactivity and 0.8 g ZBG was the optimal addition to prepare PCL/ZBG bioscaffolds with. All the electrospun PCL/ZBG bioscaffolds were biocompatible and their antibacterial performance against two S. aureus strains (SA133 and Newman) improved with increasing zinc concentration. Electrospun PCL/ZBG bioscaffolds exhibited excellent bioactivity and have great potential for biomedical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the latest trends in sustainable agriculture is the use of beneficial microorganisms to stimulate plant growth and biologically control phytopathogens. Bacillus subtilis, a Gram-positive soil bacterium, is recognized for its valuable properties in various biotechnological and agricultural applications. This study presents, for the first time, the successful encapsulation of B. subtilis within electrospun poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) fibers, which are dip-coated with cellulose derivatives. In that way, the obtained fibrous biohybrid materials actively ensure the viability of the encapsulated biocontrol agent during storage and promote its normal growth when exposed to moisture. Aqueous solutions of the cellulose derivatives—sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and 2-hydroxyethyl cellulose, were used to dip-coat the electrospun PHB fibers. The study examined the effects of the type and molecular weight of these cellulose derivatives on film formation, mechanical properties, bacterial encapsulation, and growth. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized to observe the morphology of the biohybrid materials and the encapsulated B. subtilis. Additionally, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the surface chemical composition of the biohybrid materials and verified the successful coating of PHB fibers. Mechanical testing revealed that the coating enhanced the mechanical properties of the fibrous materials and depends on the molecular weight of the used cellulose derivatives. Viability tests demonstrated that the encapsulated B. subtilis exhibited normal growth from the prepared materials. These findings suggest that the developed fibrous biohybrid materials hold significant promise as biocontrol formulations for plant protection and growth promotion in sustainable agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the development and application of electrospun wound dressings based on polylactic acid (PLA) nanofibers, chitosan, and copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) for the treatment of purulent skin wounds. The materials were evaluated for their structural, antibacterial, and wound healing properties using an animal model. PLA/Ch-CuNPs demonstrated the most significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, surpassing the other tested materials. The integration of CuNPs into the nanofiber matrices not only enhanced the antimicrobial efficacy but also maintained the structural integrity and biocompatibility of the dressings. In vivo experiments using a rat model showed that PLA/Ch-CuNPs facilitated faster wound healing with reduced exudative and inflammatory responses compared to PLA alone or PLA-CuNPs. Histological and immunohistochemical assessments revealed that the combination of PLA, chitosan, and CuNPs mitigated the inflammatory processes and promoted tissue regeneration more effectively. However, this study identified potential toxicity related to copper ions, emphasizing the need for careful optimization of CuNP concentrations. These findings suggest that PLA/Ch-CuNPs could serve as a potent, cost-effective wound dressing with broad-spectrum antibacterial properties, addressing the challenge of antibiotic-resistant infections and enhancing wound healing outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The appeal of wearable gas sensors for Internet of Things (IoTs) necessitates flexible sensory units along with sustainable source of energy supply. The key factors required for emergence of these devices are choice of electroactive materials, flexibility, skin‐compatibility, and robustness against harsh environment. Considering this, the multifunctional MXene/CeO2 composites reinforced with electrospun cellulose nanofibers are constructed and investigated for energy conversion, energy storage, and gas sensing applications. Among the synthesized composites, MXene/CeO2 (10 wt%) coated onto cellulose nanofibers outperformed triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with open‐circuit voltage of 160 V and supercapacitor (SC) specific capacitance of 388.98 F g−1 and sensing response of 212% toward 10 ppm NH3. The fabricated devices show promising outlooks against practical challenges of influence of humid conditions and different bending states. Lastly, the self‐chargeable device is integrated and the practical implications of charging of SC through TENG and its utilization in sensor powering is demonstrated. The above findings are expected to contribute significantly in envisioning development of wearable health monitors, combining the flexibility features and facilitating autonomous measurements of NH3 pollutant and biomarker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Eugenol is the main antioxidant and antimicrobial component of essential oils, however, its volatility and water solubility limit its application. In this study, eugenol liposomes (Eug‐Lip) by the ethanol injection method. The average particle size of Eug‐Lip was measured to be between 40 and 70 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.2934, a potential between −30 and −60 mV, and an encapsulation rate of 87.12%. The polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)‐based nanofiber membrane (Eug‐Lip‐NF) was prepared by the electrostatic spinning technique. This not only improved the water solubility and stability of eugenol, but also extended its release time and preserved its biological activity. The high‐voltage electric field facilitates the retention of the antioxidant ability of the membrane, as well as the inhibition of both Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). These results indicate that the combination of liposome and electrostatic spinning technology provides feasibility and promise for eugenol in food and medicine fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study focused on the fabrication of zein‐based coatings functionalised by two phenolic acids, caffeic acid (CA) and p‐coumaric acid (pCA), using electrospinning. The electrospun fibres were fabricated with three different concentrations (5%, 10% and 20% w/w) of CA and pCA individually. The average fibre diameter (AFD) increased due to the addition of phenolic acids. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that degradation temperatures of the zein electrospun fibres were not significantly affected (P > 0.05) after the incorporation of CA and pCA. Meanwhile, interactions between zein and the phenolic acids were indicated by surface characterisation. CA‐loaded zein electrospun fibres exhibited increasing antioxidant activity with increasing CA concentration. Both phenolic acid‐loaded zein electrospun fibres displayed favourable antibacterial activities against S. aureus and E. coli foodborne pathogens. Overall, zein electrospun fibres with 20% w/w CA demonstrated the most desirable properties for potential active food packaging application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field of photo-responsive electrospun polymer nanofibers represents a significant advancement in materials science, providing innovative solutions across various domains, including sensory technologies, medical treatments, environmental monitoring, and smart devices. These nanofibers, characterized by their responsiveness to light, offer unique opportunities due to their high surface area, porosity, and ability to incorporate diverse functional materials. Electrospinning, a versatile technique that produces nanofibers with tunable properties, allows for the customization of these fibers’ physical and chemical characteristics, making them ideal candidates for advanced applications. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the development and applications of light-responsive polymer nanofibers. It discusses the techniques of integrating light-responsive functionalities into nanofibers, including chemical insertion and physical doping, and explores the diverse responses these nanofibers exhibit upon light exposure, such as photoisomerization, photochromism, photocatalysis, and alterations in wettability. The structure of the review includes an introduction to the fundamental principles of electrospinning and photo-responsiveness, followed by detailed sections on the various applications of these advanced materials. Finally, future research directions are suggested, focusing on the integration of multifunctional compounds and the exploration of advanced nanofiber morphologies to enhance the applicability and performance of these cutting-edge materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of hollow VOx/SiO2 nanofiber catalysts (nV/S-f) with vanadium content ranging from 0.25 wt% to 4.0 wt% were prepared by electrospinning-calcination, and characterized by ICP-MS, XRD, N2 adsorption–desorption, SEM, XPS, UV–Vis-DRS and H2-TPR. Subsequently, the performance of these catalysts in the oxidative dehydrogenation of propane (ODHP) was evaluated. It was found that vanadium species with high dispersivity were obtained when the V content was less than 1.5 wt%. By comparison, 1.0V/S-f catalyst had the best catalytic performance, especially in terms of the propylene selectivity at high-temperature: ~ 77% at 550 °C and ~ 74% at 575 °C. In contrast to the conventional impregnation technique, the catalyst with one-dimensional nanostructure has more catalytic advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]