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Properties of pH‐responsive electrospun nanofibers incorporated with biocompatible/degradable Carbopol, commonly used in pharmaceuticals and personal care products, are reported. Sonication of Carbopol dispersions prior to electrospinning leads to uniform incorporation into fibers of the host polymer polyvinylpyrrolidone. The hydration behavior is strongly influenced by pH conditions, forming a viscous network at higher pH. Since Carbopol is more responsive to higher pH, at pH > 6 increasing Carbopol concentration leads to increased uptake volume of buffer solution, faster uptake rate and complete gel formation. The physical spreadability (resulting from a combination of viscoelastic properties and the structural polymer network) of the hydrated fibers is evaluated for multiple Carbopol concentrations and pH conditions. At low starting pH of 4, increasing the Carbopol amount results in slightly increasing viscosity while maintain solution pH. On the other hand, at high starting pH of 8 increasing Carbopol concentrations result in significant reduction in the pH of the buffer solution, which in turn decreases the viscosity of the gel and increases its spreadability. These findings provide guidelines for rational designs of pH responsive Carbopol fibers for various applications, including drug delivery, wound dressing, contraceptive devices, and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Antihyperglycemic drug artemisinin (Art) has recently gained attention as a potential anticancer treatment. In this study, the poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) polymer was used to create Art-containing nanofibers (NFs) using the electrospinning technique. Methods: The morphological characteristics, rate of degradation, and drug release profile of the NFs were described. In addition, we examined both the cytotoxic effects and internalization of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as the expression levels of apoptotic genes following the treatment of SK-BR-3 breast cancer cells with Art and Art-loaded PLGA nanofibers. Results: The bead-free, smooth surface, and randomly aligned electrospun NFs released the medication quickly at first and then steadily for more than 2 weeks. They also showed a rather steady rate of deterioration over the course of 24 days. After 48h, SK-BR-3 cells exposed to ART-loaded NFs shown a substantial cytotoxicity compared to free Art. Additionally, Art-loaded NFs effectively increased intracellular ROS levels, inducing death in cancer cells. Gene expression studies further demonstrated the ability of the produced Art-loaded NFs to significantly modify Bax and Bcl-2 levels as well as activate caspases-3 and P53 compared to free Art. Conclusion: Overall, the results demonstrated the Art-loaded PLGA nanofibers anticancer effectiveness, indicating that it may be employed as an implantable drug delivery system to decrease breast cancer recurrence following surgical resection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The process of bone healing is complex and involves the participation of osteogenic stem cells, extracellular matrix, and angiogenesis. The advancement of bone regeneration materials provides a promising opportunity to tackle bone defects. This study introduces a composite hydrogel that can be injected and cured using UV light. Results: Hydrogels comprise bioactive glass (BG) and PCL@GelMA coaxial nanofibers. The addition of BG and PCL@GelMA coaxial nanofibers improves the hydrogel's mechanical capabilities (353.22 ± 36.13 kPa) and stability while decreasing its swelling (258.78 ± 17.56%) and hydration (72.07 ± 1.44%) characteristics. This hydrogel composite demonstrates exceptional biocompatibility and angiogenesis, enhances osteogenic development in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), and dramatically increases the expression of critical osteogenic markers such as ALP, RUNX2, and OPN. The composite hydrogel significantly improves bone regeneration (25.08 ± 1.08%) in non-healing calvaria defects and promotes the increased expression of both osteogenic marker (OPN) and angiogenic marker (CD31) in vivo. The expression of OPN and CD31 in the composite hydrogel was up to 5 and 1.87 times higher than that of the control group at 12 weeks. Conclusion: We successfully prepared a novel injectable composite hydrogel, and the design of the composite hydrogels shows significant potential for enhancing biocompatibility, angiogenesis, and improving osteogenic and angiogenic marker expression, and has a beneficial effect on producing an optimal microenvironment that promotes bone repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the years, nanotechnology has gained popularity as a viable solution to address gene and drug delivery challenges over conventional methods. Extensive research has been conducted on nanosystems that consist of organic/inorganic materials, drugs, and its biocompatibility become the primary goal of improving drug delivery. Various surface modification methods help focus targeted and controlled drug release, further enabling multidrug delivery also. This newer technology ensures the stability of drugs that can unravel the mechanisms involved in cellular processes of disease development and its management. Tailored medication delivery provides benefits such as therapy, controlled release, and reduced adverse effects, which are especially important for controlling illnesses like cancer. However, multifunctional nanocarriers that possess high viscoelasticity, extended circulation half-life, biocompatibility, and biodegradability face some challenges and limitations too in human bodies. To produce a consistent therapeutic platform based on complex three-dimensional nanoparticles, careful design and engineering, thorough orthogonal analysis methods, and reproducible scale-up and manufacturing processes will be required in the future. Safety and effectiveness of nano-based drug delivery should be thoroughly investigated in preclinical and clinical trials, especially when considering biodistribution, targeting specific areas, and potential immunological toxicities. Overall, the current review article explores the advancements in nanotechnology, specific to nanomaterial-enabled drug delivery systems, carrier fabrication techniques and modifications, disease management, clinical research, applications, limitations, and future challenges. The work portrays how nanomedicine distribution affects healthcare with an emphasis on the developments in drug delivery techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dye wastewater is becoming one of the most significant sources of water pollution, and its impact on human survival is immeasurable. In this study, we successfully synthesized a nanofiber membrane with environmentally friendly and efficient properties using electrospinning of a mixture of sodium alginate (SA) and copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles, aimed at effective dye removal. The adsorption performance of the SA/CuO nanofiber membrane was evaluated using the cationic dye methylene blue (MB). The maximum adsorption capacity of the nanofiber membrane was increased significantly with the addition of CuO nanoparticles, reaching a maximum value of 1633.4 mg g−1, almost twice as much as that of pure SA membrane. The adsorption kinetics follows the pseudo‐second‐order model, where chemisorption acts as the rate‐limiting step. The adsorption isotherm data indicate that the adsorption is monolayer. The nanofibrous membranes showed better dye removal under an alkaline environment. After four cycles of adsorption/desorption, the MB removal efficiency remained at 70.1% of the original adsorption capacity. The addition of CuO nanoparticles facilitated the adsorption of MB dyes, while the form of the nanofibrous membrane is easily recoverable and reusable. Therefore, the as‐prepared SA/CuO nanofibrous composite membrane is a potentially favorable adsorbent material for wastewater treatment applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Society must face the challenge of creating high-value products from recycled waste polymers. This research focuses on the synthesis of nanofiber membranes from waste-expanded polystyrene (EPS) using electrospinning. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) enhance the photocatalytic activity of the fiber membrane. ZnO is a more useful alternative to TiO2 as a form of photocatalyst for degrading contaminants in water. This study systematically investigated the effects of varying amounts of ZnO NPs on fiber membrane nanostructure and photocatalytic activity. Methylene blue was used to measure the photocatalytic efficiency of fiber membranes, as they are commonly used in textile wastewater and exposed to ultraviolet light for 20 h. The results showed that the fiber membrane containing ZnO NPs with a concentration of 1% effectively degraded methylene blue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents the successful production of highly porous 3D nanofibrous hybrid scaffolds of polylactic acid (PLA)/polyethylene glycol (PEG) blends with the incorporation of calcium phosphate (CaP) bioceramics by a facile two-step process using the solution blow spinning (SBS) technique. CaP nanofibers were obtained at two calcium/phosphorus (Ca/P) ratios, 1.67 and 1.1, by SBS and calcination at 1000 °C. They were incorporated in PLA/PEG blends by SBS at 10 and 20 wt% to form 3D hybrid cotton-wool-like scaffolds. Morphological analysis showed that the fibrous scaffolds obtained had a randomly interconnected and highly porous structure. Also, the mean fiber diameter ranged from 408 ± 141 nm to 893 ± 496 nm. Apatite deposited considerably within 14 days in a simulated body fluid (SBF) test for hybrid scaffolds containing a mix of hydroxyapatite (HAp) and tri-calcium phosphate-β (β-TCP) phases. The scaffolds with 20 wt% CaP and a Ca/P ration of 1.1 showed better in vitro bioactivity to induce calcium mineralization for bone regeneration. Cellular tests evidenced that the developed scaffolds can support the osteogenic differentiation and proliferation of pre-osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells into mature osteoblasts. The results showed that the developed 3D scaffolds have potential applications for bone tissue engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanochitin was developed to effectively utilize crab shells, a food waste product, and there is ongoing research into its applications. Short nanowhiskers were produced by sonicating partially deacetylated nanochitin in water, resulting in a significant decrease in viscosity due to reduced entanglement of the nanowhiskers. These nanowhiskers self-assembled into a multilayered film through an evaporation technique. The macro- and nanoscale structures within the film manipulate light, producing vibrant and durable structural colors. The dried cast film exhibited green and purple stripes extending from the center to the edge formed by interference effects from the multilayer structure and thickness variations. Preserving structural colors requires maintaining a low ionic strength in the dispersion, as a higher ionic strength reduces electrostatic repulsion between nanofibers, increasing viscosity and potentially leading to the fading of color. This material's sensitivity to environmental changes, combined with chitin's biocompatibility, makes it well-suited for food sensors, wherein it can visually indicate freshness or spoilage. Furthermore, chitin's stable and non-toxic properties offer a sustainable alternative to traditional dyes in cosmetics, delivering vivid and long-lasting color. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe cutaneous injuries may not heal spontaneously and may necessitate the use of supplementary therapeutic methods. Electrospun nanofibers possess high porosity and specific surface area, which provide the necessary microenvironment for wound healing. Here in, the nanofibers of Soluplus-soy protein isolate (Sol-SPI) containing mupirocin (Mp) were fabricated via electrospinning for wound treatment. The fabricated nanofibers exhibited water absorption capacities of about 300.83 ± 29.72% and water vapor permeability values of about 821.8 ± 49.12 g/m2 day. The Sol/SPI/Mp nanofibers showed an in vitro degradability of 33.73 ± 3.55% after 5 days. The ultimate tensile strength, elastic modulus, and elongation of the Sol/SPI/Mp nanofibers were measured as 3.61 ± 0.29 MPa, 39.15 ± 5.08 MPa, and 59.11 ± 1.94%, respectively. Additionally, 85.90 ± 6.02% of Mp loaded in the nanofibers was released in 5 days in vitro, and by applying the Mp-loaded nanofibers, 93.06 ± 5.40% and 90.40 ± 5.66% of S. aureus and E. coli bacteria were killed, respectively. Human keratinocyte cells (HaCat) demonstrated notable biocompatibility with the prepared nanofibers. Furthermore, compare to other groups, Sol-SPI-Mp nanofibers caused the fastest re-epithelialization and wound healing in a rat model. The findings of this study present a novel nanofiber-based wound dressing that accelerates the healing of severe skin wounds with the risk of infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthocyanins, a type of phenolic compound, are found in plants. They are high-value food and pharmaceutical ingredients with improved health benefits and biological functions. However, there are certain drawbacks to using anthocyanins in the food and pharmaceutical industries, such as low stability and vulnerability to severe environmental conditions such as light, pH, temperature, and oxygen which could have a significant impact on the health-promoting properties. Encapsulation is one of the most preferred processing methods since it helps preserve the health benefits of anthocyanin. Choosing an appropriate strategy entails consideration of processing parameters, equipment availability, and application aims. Electrospun nanofibers were used as a novel platform for anthocyanin encapsulation. Because of their superior properties, they can improve the encapsulation efficiency, bioactivity, and bioaccessibility of anthocyanin. The current review examines the chemical structure of anthocyanin and the principles and advantages of electrospinning as an encapsulating method in depth. Finally, the current limitations and opportunities for advancing electrospinning in food packaging and medicine delivery are explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, designing and fabricating effectual wound dressings have gained a great deal of interest for the proper management of wound infections and biofilms. The present study is focused on the fabricating and characterizing silver chloride-loaded polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers as antibacterial and conductive wound dressing scaffold by electrospinning technique. Polyvinyl alcohol was subjected to the electrospinning process, and silver chloride was incorporated within PVA nanofibers via in situ reaction between silver nitrate and sodium chloride during the fiber-forming process. The obtained silver-free and silver chloride-containing nanofibers were characterized by different techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric analysis (DSC and TGA), etc. The gravimetric method and tensile testing were used to determine the porosity and mechanical properties of the fabricated nanofibers. The nanofiber's in vitro degradation, swelling, and water retention properties were assessed, and their drug loading and release profiles were evaluated by the atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) method. The wound healing characteristics of the obtained nanofibers, such as antibacterial activity, hemocompatibility, electrical conductivity, and cytotoxicity were evaluated in vitro. The results of this study confirmed that the silver chloride-containing nanofibers exhibit desired physicochemical, morphological, and mechanical properties and could be considered as a potential wound dressing for the management of infectious wounds. On the other hand, the obtained nanofibers showed higher hemocompatibility (less than 5% hemolysis ratio) and cell viability (over 80% after 48 h) as well as appropriate antibacterial activity against two representative strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been an important interest in to use of electrospun nanomaterials for tissue engineering applications due to the excellent scaffold-cell interaction provided by high interconnectivity and high porosity by electrospun nanofibers. In this study, Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and carbon nanotube-inserted PAN (PAN/CNT) nanofibers were produced by the electrospinning method and characterized by SEM, FT-IR, and EIS spectroscopy. Both PAN and PAN/CNT nanofibers were obtained beadless and ordered with the average fiber diameters of 277.61 ± 43.6 and 171.01 ± 48.4, respectively. The influence of CNT addition on PAN nanofibers was observed with the decrease of diameter and increase of electrical conductivity of nanofibers. Then, the biocompatibility of PAN and PAN/CNT nanofibers was evaluated by the MTT and AO/EB double-staining experiments. It was observed that the nanofibers showed no cytotoxic effect on L929 fibroblast cells. In the docking experiments, while both PAN and PAN/CNT showed energetically favorable interactions (ΔG = −4.60 kcal/mol; −7.26 kcal/mol, respectively) with the membrane bilayer complex, PAN/CNT formed a more stable binding with the cellular membrane compared to PAN alone. Docking results mechanistically support the more effective increase in the proliferation of L929 fibroblasts at high concentrations in vitro, as PAN/CNT exhibits stronger binding affinity and interaction with the cellular membrane. The increase in electrical conductivity of nanofibers influenced the proliferation positively, as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the special effect of wound treatment in the field of medicine, antibacterial wound dressings preparation is one of the main challenges in successful wound healing. In this research, a starch (St)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofiberous mat modified with graphene oxide (GO)-silver nanowire (AgNW) hybrid was fabricated. Initially, silver nanowires were synthesized by the polyol method, then GO-AgNW nanoparticle was prepared as a biocompatible and antibacterial biofilm. Reducing the diameter of nanofibers due to the addition of starch and GO-AgNW nanoparticles leads to fibroblast proliferation, increased collagen secretion, reduced inflammation and wound closure. Nanofibrous mats showed significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli microorganisms. The largest zone of bacterial inhibition was obtained for Starch/PVA nanofibers containing 8% GO-AgNWs hybrid (27.11 and 24.62 mm). The use of GO-AgNW nanoparticles without drugs is an important point due to the strong antibacterial property of silver nanowire. The measured contact angle of nanofibrous mats was in the range of 57.8° as a desirable level of hydrophilicity for wound dressings. The degree of swelling obtained about 491.12%, and the water vapor transmission rate of 2549 ± 36 (g/m2.day) as a proof for accelerating wound healing. Finally, the results indicated that St/PVA/GO-AgNWs composite electrospun fibers could be a suitable candidate for the treatment of infectious wounds, surgical wounds, minor burns, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, polyvinyl alcohol/Nafion nanofibrous composite membranes were produced to investigate their possible application as a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) in direct methanol fuel cells. Electrospinning method was used for nanofibrous membrane production, in which the mixture of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Nafion solutions was directly electrospun. Produced nanofibers were subjected to physical stabilization, filler application, and sulfonating to produce composite nanofibrous membranes. PVA and Nafion polymers were used also as filler materials. The properties of resultant composite membranes were compared in terms of water swelling, weight loss in water and methanol solution, thermal stability, morphology, proton conductivity, and methanol permeability. Proton conductivity of the membranes depending on the humidity was also investigated. TGA analysis showed that the membranes had adequate thermal properties regardless of the filler material. The nanofibrous structure was shown to be preserved by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after treatment with water and methanol solution. It was shown that PVA/Nafion nanofibers displayed proton conductivity after filling process. The use of PVA as a filler material led to higher proton conductivity at 100 RH%. It was reported that proton conductivity could only be obtained at higher relative humidity values (>80% RH). A lower methanol permeability of PVA‐filled membranes was reported. Highlights: PVA/Nafion nanofibrous membranes were produced by electrospinning.PVA and Nafion were also used as pore filling materials.PVA‐filled membranes had higher proton conductivity and lower methanol permeability.Proton conductivity could only be obtained at higher RH% values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanofibers act as carriers in systems containing functional materials produced via electrospinning method. By this way, it is possible to transport functional materials with polymer nanofibers, besides having a large surface area compared to their volume, the encapsulation process, which includes complex preparation processes, is eliminated here, and functional materials such as phase‐change materials (PCMs) can be conveniently integrated directly into the carrier material by electrospinning method. The resulting nanofiber membrane can also be used in combination with textile fabrics. This study aims to develop PCM containing nanofibrous membrane coated knitted fabric structures with heat regulation capabilities. Two types of PCMs, hexadecane and octadecane loaded into thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and cellulose acetate (CA) nanofibers, directly electrospun on cotton (CO), cotton/polyester (CO/PES), cotton/acrylic (CO/PAC) knitted fabrics for thermoregulation. These nanofiber‐coated fabrics were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning colorimetry (DSC), and their comfort properties were evaluated by water vapor and air permeability tests and compared with a commercial microcapsule impregnated fabric. According to DSC results, PCM incorporated CA nanofibers had better heat storage capacity than TPU nanofibers and microcapsule applied fabrics. Although PCM‐loaded CA nanofibers may not block airflow as effectively as TPU nanofibers, when a proper coating is achieved air permeability can be decreased to 21.70 L/m2/s, along with a heat storage capacity of 26.38 J/g and still having permeability to water vapor (%40). Highlights: Phase change materials were integrated directly to the carrier material by electrospinningPCM integrated nanofiber coating reduced air permeabilityPCM integrated nanofiber coating did not block water vapor permeabilityElectrspun cellulose acetate +PCM coating had better heat storage capacity [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent progress in developing cardiac patches for regenerating the myocardium has opened a new hope after myocardial infarction (MI). Herein, we introduce a novel bilayer nanofiber cardiac patch composed of polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(xylitol sebacate) (PXS), and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). First, we electrospun different monolayer scaffolds, including PCL, PCL/MWCNT, PCL/PXS, and PCL/PXS/MWCNTs, and characterized their physical, mechanical, and biological performance to determine the interaction effects of different material compositions on their scaffold properties. In vitro examinations confirmed the cooperative effect of PXS and MWCNT in blending with PCL to fabricate conductive and well-organized nanofibers with good biocompatibility. Subsequently, a bilayer nanofiber scaffold composed of PCL/PXS/MWCNT nanofibers electrospun over a PCL fibrous layer was fabricated to achieve an efficient structure capable of providing the desirable characteristics of a cardiac patch. The bilayer nature increased the mechanical performance of the PCL/PXS/MWCNT monolayer while preserving its appropriate wettability and acceptable conductivity. Excellent viability and proliferation of H9c2 cells on the bilayer scaffolds were observed in the live/dead assay. Moreover, cell-matrix interaction confirmed that bilayer nanofibers decrease myofibroblast differentiation of seeded NIH3T3 cells, which may be beneficial for cardiac repair post-MI. After transplantation of the bilayer nanofiber onto the infarcted heart of the MI rats for 4 weeks, the ischemic zone decreased, cardiac function significantly improved and very slightly activated macrophages were observed. These findings suggested a potentially durable nanofiber cardiac patch containing PXS for myocardial repair post-MI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flavored cigarettes are very popular among consumers. However, many essential oils in cigarettes are lost during storage, and the utilization rate of the essential oils during use is low. Therefore, effective packaging and stable sustained release are urgently needed. In this study, a composite electrospun stable nanofiber storage material was prepared for sustained release. Polyethylene glycol, which has good heat storage properties, was selected as the heat storage material to inhibit the release of essential materials during storage. Porous graphene with good thermal conductivity and a porous structure was selected as the heat conductive component to ensure rapid and uniform release. Polyethylene glycol/porous graphene polyvinyl alcohol-mint essential oil sustained-release composite electrospun nanofibers membrane was prepared by electrospinning, and the morphology, composition, thermal properties, and sustained-release properties were tested. The results showed that the composite electrospun nanofiber membrane reduced the loss of mint oil during storage and enabled the rapid release of mint oil at high temperatures. At room temperature, the retention rate of the mint oil was still more than 90% after 120 h, and at a high temperature (75°C) the retention rate was less than 20% after 10 min; that is, 80% of the essential oil material was released within 10 min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, by combining the polymers of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and 10,12-pentacosadinoic acid and adding the zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles to their solution, three component composite nanofibers were electrospun and their thermo-chromic reversibility were investigated. Different amounts of ZnO nanoparticles based on the weight of PVDF were added to the mixture of PVDF/PDA (polydiacetylene) polymers and composite nanofibers were produced by electrospinning method. Adding ZnO to the electrospinning solvent affects nanofibers structural morphology and helps formation of beads in the electrospun nanofibers in comparison with that of PVDF/PDA sample. The crystal structure of the samples and the chemical changes in the structure of the polymers indicate that the addition of ZnO nanoparticles increases the stability of the nanofiber structure against heat and chromic change. Samples containing more than 2% ZnO with different UV irradiation times were reversible up to 140 °C. The best thermo-chromic reversibility of the PVDF/PDA/ZnO composite nanofibers could be obtained by sample containing 3% ZnO nanoparticles where the minimum irreversible temperature with an UV irradiation time of 5 min for this sample is 170 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetes is a lifestyle havoc of the present epoch and patients suffer from all co-morbid situations. Diabetic burn wound patients are mostly affected due to the high rate of infection-alluring co-morbidity. Our study focused on the use of a unique combination of Chitosan/Polyethylene oxide (CS/PEO) woven into fibers by electrospinning to relieve these critical health conditions. The anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and tissue-repairing virtue of chitosan along with the broad-spectrum antibacterial effect of polyethylene oxide were highlighted for the treatment of ectopic infection and re-epithelialization of tissue. Single-dose streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice model was developed to study the applicability of CS/PEO nanofiber as dressing material on burn wounds. The average nanofiber diameter was 165 nm mimicking the extracellular matrix with a significant degree (125%) of swelling and thermal stability. Studies of optical density on the bacterial species identified from the wound suggested more than 50% antibacterial activity. Planimetric assessment, Haematoxylin & Eosin staining (HE) and Masson's Trichrome (MT) staining suggested a remarkable 94.7% (p < 0.01) wound contraction with the increasing trend of re-epithelialization and a reduced rate of inflammation in diabetic mice over 20 days. So, CS/PEO nanofiber can be used as an excellent alternative dressing material to heal diabetic burn wounds by limiting inflammatory infiltration and microvessels along with antibacterial efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are global challenges in addressing the oil spill treatment. Nanofiber has become a great potential in the oil spill cleaning process because of the environmental friendliness, high efficiency, low cost, and stability of the obtained nanofiber mats. This study presents a novel composite fabricated from cellulose acetate (CA) and cellulose nitrate (CN) nanofibers with the incorporation of carbon black (CA-CN/CB) for efficient oil removal. This nanofiber composite was fabricated in one-step electrospinning of 10% CA and CN solution with different concentrations of carbon black (CB). The morphology and fiber diameter of the CA-CN/CB nanofiber composite were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and they appeared to be smooth, uniform fibers without beads. The average fiber diameter was in nano-meter size and increased with the increasing CB amount in the composite, ranging from 327 to 755 nm. The FTIR results indicated the presence of CA and CN as characteristic peaks of C = O for CA and O-NO2 for CN. The nanofibers mats of the CA-CN, CA-CN/CB0.7, CA-CN/CB1.5, and CA-CN/CB2.2 composites had Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area of 15.29, 38.40, 4.08, and 6.17 m2 g−1, respectively. Under optimal conditions, CA-CN/CB nanofiber mats absorb more than their weight oil in just 30 min. The adsorption result showed that loading 1.5% of CB to CA-CN mats (CA-CN/CB1.5) was more favorable for oil adsorption. The CA-CN/CB1.5 nanofiber showed its reusability for oil adsorption. The Freundlich isotherm model was the most appropriate model among other isotherm models, including Langmuir and Temkin, with a value of correlation coefficient (R2) equal to or closer to unity, and this result was confirmed by the data obtained from studying different error function models. The adsorption kinetics showed that oil adsorption into CA-CN/CB1.5 nanofiber follows a pseudo-second-order kinetics model with R2 close to unity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioactive peptides play crucial roles in the biomedicine fields including cancer therapy and regenerative medicine due to their favorable biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and excellent biological activity. However, their low stability greatly limits their clinical application. Herein, a novel bioactive peptide delivery strategy is reported that utilizes triphen[3]arene polyvalent‐conjugated bioactive peptides to induce self‐assembly and form nanofibers to enhance the in vivo stability and bioactivity of bioactive peptides. Specifically, a water‐soluble triphen[3]arene (WTP3(YRSRK)6, Comp. 2) containing six FGF‐mimicking peptides, primarily comprising two components: triphen[3]arene serves as a skeleton molecule and an assembly motif with multiple customizable sites, while YRSRK is a pentapeptide with fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF‐2) biological activity. Despite the presence of the inhibitor dexamethasone (Dex), Comp. 2 continued to enhance cell proliferation by 15% and rescued 17% of cells from apoptosis. The administration of Comp. 2 resulted in improved restoration of skeletal muscle atrophy and functional damage in mice. The mean grip strength increased by 42%, and the calf muscle volume increased by 17%. This innovative approach of utilizing macrocycle polyvalent conjugated bioactive peptides offers a universal method for enabling bioactive peptides to produce sustained and efficient biological effects, potentially advancing the development of promising peptide‐based nanomedicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently developed nanoparticles and nanofibers present new brain‐specific treatment strategies, especially for Alzheimer's disease treatment. In this study, donepezil (DO)‐loaded PLGA nanoparticles (DNP) are embedded in PVA/PEG nanofibers (DNPF) produced by pressurized gyration for sublingual administration. SEM images showed produced drug‐loaded and pure nanofibers, which have sizes between 978 and 1123 nm, demonstrated beadless morphology and homogeneous distribution. FT‐IR, XRD, and DSC results proved the produced nanoparticles and fibers to consist of the DO and other polymers. The in vitro drug release test presented that the release profile of DO is completed at the end of the 18th day. It is released by the first order kinetic model. DNPF has an ultra‐fast release profile via its disintegration within 2 sec, which proved itself to be suitable for the administration sublingually. All samples presented above ≈90% cell viability via their non‐toxic natures on SH‐SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells by using Alamar blue assay. The anti‐Alzheimer effects of DO, DNP, and DNPF are evaluated on the Aβ1−42‐induced SH‐SY5Y cells at 1, 5, and 10 µM as treatment groups. The 1 µM dosage exhibited the most significant neuroprotective effects, which showed enhanced cellular uptake and superior modulation of Alzheimer's‐related proteins, including tau and Aβ. [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]

Tissue and organ defects caused by trauma, disease, and congenital malformations present significant clinical challenges. Traditional tissue engineering (TE) requires the preparation of scaffolds before cell seeding, which is not only time-consuming but also causes poor cell infiltration and uneven distribution within the scaffold. Moreover, cells are prone to differentiation and contamination. Although 3D bioprinting and in situ TE can create scaffolds with spatially oriented cells, they still exhibit limitations in generating internal nanofiber structures. To address these challenges, we developed a hand-held in situ electrospinning device capable of constructing nanofiber scaffolds directly at sites. We further explored the effects of voltage, materials, and solvent on cell viability during the in situ cell electrospinning (IS-CE) process; completing cell encapsulation and delivery while preparing nanofibers in situ, the cell-laden nanofiber scaffolds were able to deliver highly active cells to the target sites. Additionally, IS-CE did not affect the cell stiffness and cell activity (such as proliferation, apoptosis, viability, etc.) of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells. RNA sequencing showed that IS-CE could alter the expression of multiple genes, enhancing cell adhesion and maintaining stem cell properties. This study achieved noncontact and highly active cell delivery, providing a technical and theoretical basis for the application of IS-CE in organ and tissue repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of electrospun nanofibers to create a supportive scaffold for cell growth and tissue development has attracted intensive interest in the field of tissue engineering. In this study, a conjugated electrospinning system was designed and employed to fabricate a series of different polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds simultaneously containing both of microfibers and nanofibers. SEM images conformed the successful formation of micro-/nano- fibers in one scaffold by adjusting the polymeric concentrations. The PCL concentration was found to have dramatic effects on the diameter of as-generated fibers, and the mean diameter and crystallinity of electrospun PCL fibers decreased with the decreasing of PCL concentration, resulting in much lower mechanical properties. Compared with the pure PCL microfiber-constructed scaffold, the PCL micro-/nano- fiber scaffolds exhibited obviously decreased mean pore size, increased porosity. Interestingly, the PCL micro-/nano- fiber scaffolds were found to exhibit significantly increased Young's modulus and ultimate stress than both of PCL nanofiber scaffold and PCL microfiber scaffold. In vitro cell characterization results indicated that the introduction of nanoscale fibers significantly enhanced cell adhesion, and proliferation of PCL micro-/nano- fiber scaffolds. Moreover, this enhancement became more pronounced as the average diameter of the nanoscale fibers decreased. Overall, our present study provides an effective strategy for generating PCL micro-/nano- fiber scaffolds with more appropriate structure and properties, which show great potential for tissue engineering application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to compare the microhardness and surface roughness (Ra) of a resin composite, which was recently introduced to be the first flowable composite with the nano-sized fiber filler, with the particle filled composite resins with different properties, used in Class V cavities. Methods: Totally 100 disc-shaped samples (diameter: 4 mm, height: 2 mm) were prepared and divided into five groups in accordance to the different types of composites (n=20): 1) Flowable composite with nano-fiber filler (Group N: NovaPro Flow, Nanova, USA); 2) Flowable bulk-fill composite [Group Estelite Bulk Fill Flow (EBF): Tokuyama, Japan]; 3) Flowable composite [Group G-aenial Universal Flo (GUF): GC Corp, Japan]; 4) Highly-filled flowable composite [Group G-aenial Universal Injectable (GUI): GC Corp, Japan]; 5) Micro-hybrid composite (Group Z250: Filtek Z250, 3M ESPE, USA). They were polished with aluminum oxide polishing discs. Ra measurements (µm) were made using contact profilometer (MarSurf M 300 C; Mahr GmbH, Germany) (n=10). Vickers microhardness evaluations were made using HMV microhardness tester (Shimadzu, Japan) (n=10). Three dimensional (3D) optic profilometer was used to evaluate the surface topography. One-way ANOVA, Shapiro-Wilk and Tukey tests were used for statistical analysis (p<0.05). Results: At top and bottom surfaces, Group N showed significantly lowest microhardness values while Group Z250 showed significantly highest microhardness values than other groups (p<0.05). Group GUI showed significantly higher microhardness values than group EBF and GUF (p<0.05). Hardness ratio was found lower than 80% in Group N. No significant differences in Ra were found between the groups. 3D optic profilometer revealed that similar scratch appearances were detected in all groups. Conclusion: Incorporation of flowable composite with nanofiber filler may not be advantageous for micro-hardness, hardness ratio and Ra properties. [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]

[Display omitted] Moist-electric generators (MEGs), which are capable of spontaneously generating energy from ubiquitous moisture, are considered as a potential power supply candidate for wearable electronics. However, the application of the MEGs in the wearable field is still challenging due to the low electric output and the lack of wearable attributes such as breathability and flame retardancy. Herein, we demonstrated a wearable MEG with high power-output, breathability and flame retardancy, which was fabricated by designing an asymmetrical nanofiber assembly using hydrophilic polyvinyl alcohol/phytic acid (PVA/PA) and hydrophobic polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) nanofiber membranes. Owing to the synergistic effects of strong water absorption, enhanced ion release and numerous micro-nano transport channels, a single MEG of 1 cm2 could constantly generate high direct-current (DC) power, i.e., a voltage of 1.0 V, a current of 15.5 μA, and a power density of 3.0 μW cm−2, outperforming other reported nanofiber-based MEGs. More importantly, the asymmetric nanofiber structure ensured the moisture circulation inside MEG and thus produced a sustained voltage output for 7 days without any deterioration. The MEG also showed good flexibility, air/moisture permeability and flame retardancy, which give it necessary wearable attributes. Furthermore, large-scale integration of MEG units could be readily realized to fabricate a power source device for driving different portable electronics, while the moisture sensitivity made the MEG well used for sensing applications (e.g., respiration monitoring, fire warning). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silica aerogel is a remarkable material known for its exceptional thermal insulation properties and low density. The synthesis of silica aerogel involves a sol–gel process, which consists of gelation, aging, and drying steps. This process allows for the formation of a highly porous, interconnected network structure. Silica aerogel exhibits unique mechanical properties, such as high compressibility and brittleness, which can be improved through various reinforcement techniques. In this study, four different strategies for reinforcing silica aerogel to enhance its mechanical properties are reviewed. These strategies include the incorporation of hybridization of silica aerogels, compounding the silica network with a polymer, embedding fibers into a silica matrix, padding silica aerogel into multilayer nonwovens/nanofibers, and many more. Each method offers a distinct mechanism for reinforcing the aerogel matrix and improving its strength, flexibility, and durability. Moreover, the electrospinning process is explored as a method for fabricating silica aerogel-embedded nanofibers. Electrospinning equipment, including spinnerets and power supplies, is discussed, along with various techniques used to control fiber morphology and alignment. The integration of silica aerogel into nanofiber provides an opportunity to create lightweight, flexible composites with improved mechanical and thermal properties, making them promising materials for applications requiring efficient heat management that opens up avenues for various technological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cotton Textile Technology is the property of Cotton Textile Technology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The development of new wound dressings made from biomaterials, which offer a better cost–benefit ratio and accelerate the healing process, is increasing nowadays. Various biopolymers can be electrospun to form functional membranes for wound healing. Therefore, in this study, chitosan and nanochitosan membranes with or without hyaluronic acid were prepared using the electrospinning technique, characterized and evaluated in the healing of skin wounds in rats. Chitosan and nanochitosan solutions, with or without hyaluronic acid, were prepared at concentrations of 1%–4% using PEO (polyethylene oxide) and subjected to the electrospinning process to obtain membranes characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical tests, and antimicrobial activity. The healing effect of the membranes was evaluated by monitoring the area of the lesions, contraction of the wounds, histologic analysis, and induction of pro‐inflammatory cytokine (IL‐1 α and TNF‐α) production in rats. The nanochitosan and nanochitosan membranes with hyaluronic acid achieved greater fiber diameter and uniformity, resistance, elasticity, and thermal stability, in addition to good adhesion to the wound bed and permeation capacity. Despite not presenting antimicrobial activity in vitro, they contributed to the production of pro‐inflammatory interleukins in the animals tested, provided physical protection, reduced the wound area more markedly until the seventh day of the evaluation, with an acceleration of the healing process and especially when functionalized with hyaluronic acid. These results indicate that the membranes may be promising for accelerating the healing process of chronic wounds in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermo-regulating textiles incorporating Phase-Change Materials (PCMs) have emerged as innovative substances that automatically adapt to changes in environmental and body temperature. This paper presents an approach to develop a PCM-loaded composite yarn for potential use in medical textiles. Paraffin wax-based PCM nanocapsules were synthesized and integrated into cotton fibers during the ring spinning process. Subsequently, a composite core–shell-structured yarn was fabricated using electrospinning, comprising a cotton/PCM core and a poly (l-lactic acid) (PLLA)/PCM nanofibrous shell. Morphological analysis confirmed the successful formation of the core–shell structure and the uniform distribution of PCM nanocapsules within the fibers. The composite yarns exhibited reduced diameters with increasing PCM nanocapsule content. Thermal analysis revealed that the incorporation of PCMs resulted in decreased glass transition and cold crystallization temperatures of the PLLA nanofibers. Additionally, the presence of PCMs increased the crystallinity of PLLA fibers. According to the thermoregulation test results, the presence of PCM in its structure affected the heating and cooling behavior of the yarns. The composite yarns were further functionalized by incorporating Vancomycin as an antibiotic agent for medical dressing applications. This progress signifies an improved thermoregulation, offering potential applications in wound care and other medical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic-inorganic hybrids are valuable due to their combined properties. This study fabricated polymer-silica hybrid nanofibers with antibacterial properties using silica and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) through sol-gel and electrospinning methods. The nanofibers, incorporating chloropropyltriethoxysilane (CPTS) and Benzalkonium chloride (BAC), were analyzed for their morphology, chemical composition, mechanical properties, thermal properties, and antibacterial activity. Optimal characteristics in fibrous structure, mechanical strength, and antibacterial efficiency were achieved with a blended 8% wt PVA. Sample H, containing 1% BAC, showed significant bacterial growth inhibition (20 mm for Staphylococcus aureus and 9.2 mm for Escherichia coli), along with enhanced thermal stability (260.41 °C) and tensile strength (12.4 MPa). This study demonstrates the potential of electrospinning in creating advanced hybrid nanofibers with diverse applications in the medical field. Highlights: Fabrication of polymer-silica hybrid nanofibers with outstanding antibacterial properties. Utilization of sol-gel and electrospinning methods in the fabrication process. Comprehensive analysis of nanofiber morphology, chemical composition, mechanical and thermal properties, and antibacterial activity. Highlighting the potential of electrospinning for creating advanced hybrid nanofibers with versatile applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanofibrous scaffolds have emerged as promising candidates for localized drug delivery systems in the treatment of cutaneous cancers. In this study, we prepared an electrospun nanofibrous scaffold incorporating 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and etoposide (ETP) for chemotherapy targeting melanoma cutaneous cancer. The scaffold was composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and chitosan (CS), prepared via the electrospinning process and loaded with the chemotherapeutic agents. We conducted relevant physicochemical characterizations, assessed cytotoxicity, and evaluated apoptosis against melanoma A375 cells. The prepared 5-FU/ETP co-loaded PVA/CS scaffold exhibited nanofibers (NFs) with an average diameter of 321 ± 61 nm, defect-free and homogenous morphology. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed successful incorporation of chemotherapeutics into the scaffold. Additionally, the scaffold demonstrated a hydrophilic surface, proper mechanical strength, high porosity, and efficient liquid absorption capacity. Notably, sustained and controlled drug release was observed from the nanofibrous scaffold. Furthermore, the scaffold significantly increased cytotoxicity (95%) and apoptosis (74%) in A375 melanoma cells. Consequently, the prepared 5-FU/ETP co-loaded PVA/CS nanofibrous scaffold holds promise as a valuable system for localized eradication of cutaneous melanoma tumors and mitigation of adverse drug reactions associated with chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study focuses on the creation of breathable and fire˗retardant fibrous membranes using phosphorylated poly(vinylalcohol) (PPVA) via the electrospinning method, with a specific interest in their application for structural firefighter clothing. Poly(vinylalcohol) (PVA) was phosphorylated to enhance its inherent flame resistance. Optimization of reaction conditions, including time and temperature, was conducted to achieve a solution suitable for electrospinning. The flame resistance of PPVA was confirmed through vertical flammability tests, with thermogravimetric analysis indicating a significant increase in carbonaceous char formation during PPVA decomposition compared to unmodified PVA. The limiting oxygen index also exhibited a notable increase from PVA to PPVA. Furthermore, the study established optimal operating conditions for producing uniform fibers, considering parameters such as polymer concentration, feed rate, tip to collector distance, and applied potential difference. The PPVA membrane demonstrated superior water vapor transmission rates compared to PVA, indicating enhanced breathability. The entire fabrication process utilized an environmentally friendly water‐based solvent. Additionally, a moisture‐cum‐thermal barrier layer (MCTB) was developed by laminating the PPVA fibrous membranes with microporous polytetrafluoroethylene and further with needle punch‐spunlaced OPAN fabric. Experimental assessments of the MCTB layer revealed satisfactory breathability and thermal performance, surpassing the standard requirements of 35 cal/cm2 for structural firefighting configuration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, there are still great challenges in promoting bone defect healing, a common health problem affecting millions of people. Herein an osteoimmunity‐regulating biopatch capable of promoting stem cell‐based therapies for bone regeneration is developed. A totally biodegradable conjugate is first synthesized, which can self‐assemble into bioactive nano micelles (PPT NMs). This nanotherapy effectively improves the osteogenesis of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) under pathological conditions, by simultaneously regulating IL‐17 signaling and ferroptosis pathways. Incorporation of PPT NMs into biodegradable electrospun nanofibers affords a bioactive patch, which notably improves bone formation in two rat bone defect models. A Janus bio patch is then engineered by integrating the bioactive patch with a stem cell sheet of PDLSCs. The obtained biopatch shows additionally potentiated bone regeneration capacity, by synergistically regulating osteoimmune microenvironment and facilitating stem cell differentiation. Further surface functionalization of the biopatch with tannic acid considerably increases its adhesion to the bone defect, prolongs local retention, and sustains bioactivities, thereby offering much better repair effects in rats with mandibular or cranial bone defects. Moreover, the engineered bioactive patches display good safety. Besides bone defects, this osteoimmunity‐regulating biopatch strategy can be applied to promote stem cell therapies for spinal cord injury, wound healing, and skin burns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nanofiber materials of three-dimensional spatial structure synthesized by electrospun have the characteristics of high porosity, high specific surface area, and high similarity to the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) of the human body. These are beneficial for absorbing wound exudate, effectively blocking the invasion of external bacteria, and promoting cell respiration and proliferation, which provides an ideal microenvironment for wound healing. Moreover, electrospun nanofiber dressings can flexibly load drugs according to the condition of the wound, further promoting wound healing. Recently, electrospun nanofiber materials have shown promising application prospects as medical dressings in clinical. Based on current research, this article reviewed the development history of wound dressings and the principles of electrospun technology. Subsequently, based on the types of base material, polymer-based electrospun nanofiber dressing and electrospun nanofiber dressing containing drug-releasing factors were discussed. Furthermore, the application of electrospun nanofiber dressing on skin tissue is highlighted. This review aims to provide a detailed overview of the current research on electrospun nanomaterials for wound healing, addressing challenges and suggesting future research directions to advance the field of electrospun dressings in wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) are a potential new technology in energy storage due to their high energy density, affordability, and environmental friendliness. The development of AZIBs is still hampered by unchecked zinc dendrite formation during cycling, which results in an unstable interface, a short cycling life, and a considerable capacity decline with security issues. Herein, we demonstrate a novel nanofiber membrane based on polyetherimide‐polyacrylonitrile (PEI/PAN) polymer via electrospinning method with entangled nanofibers for AZIBs applications. The as‐fabricated PEI/PAN membrane has a homogeneous, tortuous, and linked porous structure, high porosity, and superior electrolyte wettability. The resulting PEI/PAN membrane exhibits a decent thermal stability of 200 °C and a strong ionic conductivity of up to 5.3×10−4 S cm−1. This membrane gives Zn/Zn symmetric cells an ultralong cycle life of more than 250 hours at 3 mA cm−2. In the meantime, the MnO2/Zn cell outperforms commercial filter paper regarding cycle stability and rate performance. This work demonstrates the design of a straightforward technique to fabricate advanced nanofiber membranes for AZIBs to modify Zn2+ deposition behavior and improve Zn dendrite resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of innovative food packaging technologies, particularly those capable of monitoring freshness, has become increasingly important in the food industry. This research explores the development of a pH-responsive freshness sensor using polyvinyl alcohol-red cabbage (PVA/RC) nanofibers. The nanofibers are fabricated through the electrospinning technique and meticulously analyzed via scanning electron microscopy, Fourier -transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results underscore the fine structure of the nanofiber matrix, with an average diameter of ~68 nm. FTIR analysis substantiates the presence of anthocyanin compounds from RC within the PVA/RC nanofibers, which confirms the integration of beneficial components into the nanofiber matrix. Moreover, DSC investigations reveal the outstanding thermal properties of PVA/RC, which demonstrates the resilience of the nanofibers to higher temperatures, with a melting point of ~223 °C. Notably, the PVA/RC nanofibers with a 3:1 ratio exhibit excellent thermal stability, although the color change due to pH fluctuations shifts toward transparency. This study lays down the foundation for future exploration and the potential for a diverse array of applications and material enhancements. The findings presented herein open up new opportunities for the use of PVA/RC nanofibers in the development of freshness sensors, heralding a new era in smart food packaging technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agarose nanofiber with a diameter of 68 ± 33 nm is first prepared by electrospinning under an optimized condition of solvents with hexafluoroisopropanol/water (92.5/7.5, v/v). The results show the control of hydrogen bonding, which is important to prepare a nanoscale agarose material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel ophthalmic delivery system utilizing levofloxacin-loaded, preservative-free, nanofiber-based inserts was investigated. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Poloxamer 407 (Polox)were employed as matrix materials, while hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) was a solubilizer. The formulations were prepared via electrospinning and characterized for fiber morphology, drug dissolution, cytotoxicity, and antimicrobial activity. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed uniform fibrous structures. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses demonstrated the amorphous state of levofloxacin within the fibers. In vitro dissolution studies revealed a rapid (within 2 min) and complete drug release, with higher HP-β-CD levels slightly delaying the release. Cytotoxicity tests showed increased HP-β-CD concentrations induced irritation, that was mitigated by sodium hyaluronate. The antimicrobial efficacy of the nanofibers was comparable to conventional eye drops, with lower minimum inhibitory concentrations for most tested strains. The nanofibrous formulation prepared from a PVA–Polox-based viscous solution of the drug:CD 1:1 mol ratio, containing 0.4% (w/w) sodium hyaluronate) was identified as a particularly promising alternative formulation due to its rapid and complete dissolution, good biocompatibility, and effective antimicrobial properties. Its gelling properties indicate that the residence time on the eye surface can be increased, potentially reducing discomfort and enhancing therapeutic outcomes. The nanofibrous formulations enhanced antimicrobial efficacy, providing a preservative-free alternative that minimizes the potential eye irritation that might occur because of the preservative agent and reduces the administrated dose frequency by extending the drug's retention time on the eye's surface. Subsequently, it improves patients' adherence, which would reflect positively on the bioavailability. The levofloxacin-HP-β-CD nanofibers demonstrate promise as an alternative to traditional eye drops, offering advantages in solubility, stability, and patient compliance for ocular infection treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the past three decades, research interest in electrospinning (ES) has grown exponentially. Twenty years ago, the initial reports on the utilization of this rather simple ultrafine fiber-forming method in combination with a widely established materials chemistry tool known as sol–gel (SG) and without the aid of electrospun organic fibers as templates (or fiber-forming sacrificial polymers) were published in the open literature. In parallel, several groups right around the same time also proposed the use of long-chain organic polymers in SG formulations to facilitate their spinnability into ultrafine fibers. Since then, the number of research articles exploring SG-ES to produce inorganic fibers with submicron diameters has also grown steadily, resulting in several identifiable R&D sub-fields. Relatively recent advances in ES scalability have now made it even more attractive for exploring potential commercial applications. This review is an attempt to provide readers with a comprehensive overview of SG-ES work done in the areas of metal oxide catalysis, photocatalysis, and adsorption. It does not focus on devices having a catalytic function, such as fuel cells and sensors, but on materials whose end goal is to be used as catalysts or sorbents. A number of potentially valuable opportunities and recommendations are also offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for wound care is increasing globally and the traditional wound dressings offer limited support to the healing process, failing to meet the requirements of current healthcare system. Drug-controlled release nanotechnology has garnered interest recently in the field of biomedicine. Electrospun nanofibers are considered as an advanced wound dressing due to their unique structure and a biological function similar to the extracellular matrix. In this study, a polycaprolactone (PCL)-polyethylene glycol (PEG) loaded with nisin was developed by electrospinning technique. The fabricated nanofiber was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The degradation index, in vitro release studies, antioxidant activity, and cell cytotoxicity analyses of the nanofibers were also performed. The antibacterial activity of the nanofiber was evaluated against wound causing skin pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecalis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The FTIR data demonstrate the interactions between PCL, PEG, and nisin. The presence of nisin in the fiber was confirmed by the characteristic bands of nisin at 3398.63, 1643.23, and 1242.17 cm−1. The nanofibers exhibited maximum controlled nisin release of 94.3% at 24 h. The nisin-loaded nanofibers exhibited antibacterial activity against all the indicator organisms used in the study. About 78% viability was observed on nisin-loaded nanofibers during the MTT assay. The results indicated that the fabricated antibacterial nanofiber has the potential for wound healing application and the treatment of bacterial infections in wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cotton Textile Technology is the property of Cotton Textile Technology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The combination of electrospinning and hot pressing, namely the electrospinning-hot pressing technique (EHPT), is an efficient and convenient method for preparing nanofibrous composite materials with good energy storage performance. The emerging composite membrane prepared by EHPT, which exhibits the advantages of large surface area, controllable morphology, and compact structure, has attracted immense attention. In this paper, the conduction mechanism of composite membranes in thermal and electrical energy storage and the performance enhancement method based on the fabrication process of EHPT are systematically discussed. Moreover, the state-of-the-art applications of composite membranes in these two fields are introduced. In particular, in the field of thermal energy storage, EHPT-prepared membranes have longitudinal and transverse nanofibers, which generate unique thermal conductivity pathways; also, these nanofibers offer enough space for the filling of functional materials. Moreover, EHPT-prepared membranes are beneficial in thermal management systems, building energy conservation, and electrical energy storage, e.g., improving the electrochemical properties of the separators as well as their mechanical and thermal stability. The application of electrospinning-hot pressing membranes on capacitors, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), fuel cells, sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), and hydrogen bromine flow batteries (HBFBs) still requires examination. In the future, EHPT is expected to make the field more exciting through its own technological breakthroughs or be combined with other technologies to produce intelligent materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The separator is an essential component of sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) to determine their electrochemical performances. However, the separator with high mechanical strength, good electrolyte wettability and excellent electrochemical performance remains an open challenge. Herein, a new separator consisting of amphoteric nanofibers with abundant functional groups was fabricated through supramolecular assembly of natural polymers for SIB. The uniform nanoporous structure, remarkable mechanical properties and abundant functional groups (e.g. −COOH, −NH2 and −OH) endow the separator with lower dissolution activation energy and higher ion migration numbers. These metrics enable the separator to lower the barrier for desolvation of Na+, accelerate the migration of Na+, and generate more stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and cathode electrolyte interphase (CEI). The battery assembled with the amphoteric nanofiber separator shows higher specific capacity and better stability than that assembled with glass fiber (GF) separator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technological advancements in nanofibers and production technologies have led to nanofibers being applied in various applications. Nanofibers are produced by a variety of techniques such as electrospinning, drawing, self-assembly, phase separation, and others. Electrospinning is widely used due to its versatility and scalability. Nanofiber production by other techniques is still limited to the laboratory scale, hence the dominance of electrospinning. The versatility of nanofibers has seen them being used in various applications such as health, protection, clothing, filtration, packaging, and electronics. Their large surface area, small diameters, and porous structures make them good materials in these diverse fields. Nanofibers are incorporated with nanoparticles to enhance stability. In biomedical applications, nanofibers are used in drug delivery systems, wound healing, and tissue engineering because of their biocompatibility and biodegradability. In fields like protection, clothing, and packaging, nanofibers are used due to their large surface area, porosity, and flexibility. These properties also make nanofibers highly effective in filtration, where their small size and large surface area allow them to efficiently remove a significant number of contaminants. Additionally, nanofibers are utilized in the production of flexible electronics, enhancing comfort in wearable devices. Biopolymers are being adopted to address the environmental and health concerns of traditional nanofiber materials. Biopolymers are biodegradable and biocompatible; however, their stability can be affected by production and environmental conditions. This work highlights the applications of nanofibers, especially the environmentally friendly nanofiber applications in health, packaging, water treatment, protection, electronics, clothing, and technical textiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the present research is to investigate the possibility of producing nanofibers from chitosan extracted from black tiger shrimp (P. monodon) waste and the effect of nanofiber dimensions on the toxicity of primary polymers with the potential to be used in the production of wound dressings. In this research, two methods were used to produce nanofibers from the extracted chitosan polymer, which included single-needle and co-electrospinning, and in the second method, an attempt was made to produce fibers with core loading capability. Electrospun nanofibers were examined by field electron microscopy (FE-SEM) in terms of morphological characteristics. Also, various analytical technologies including FTIR (Fourier Infrared Spectroscopy) and XRD (X-ray Diffraction) were used to examine the structure of the produced nanofibers. Also, the toxicity of the produced nanofibers compared to the primary polymer was measured by the MTT method. The Fourier spectroscopy diagrams and X-ray diffraction peaks showed the presence of chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol polymers and their proper interactions. Also, the results showed that high-quality and continuous nanofibers without bead were obtained in both single-needle and core-shell methods. The interesting point is the creation of core space in core-shell nanofibers with the possibility of loading various polymers and secondary nanoparticles. This is a potential for its use in various applications, especially such as wound dressings. In addition to that, achieving less toxicity in the produced nanofibers compared to the primary polymers, proposed the potential of nanotechnology in different sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current ammonia sensors exhibit cross-sensitivity to water vapor, leading to false alarms. We developed a core–shell nanofiber (CSNF) structure to address these issues, using conductive poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) as the core and hydrophobic polyvinylidene fluoride-tetrafluoroethylene (PVDF-TrFE) as the shell. The PEDOT-PVDF CSNF, with a diameter of ~500 nm and a 300 nm thick PVDF layer, showed a superior sensitivity and humidity resistance compared to conventional PEDOT membranes for ammonia concentrations of 10–100 ppm. In humid environments, CSNF sensors outperformed membrane sensors, exhibiting a tenfold increase in performance at 51% relative humidity (RH). This study highlights the potential of CSNF sensors for practical ammonia detection, maintaining a high performance under varying humidity levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of UV sensors is to detect ultraviolet radiation, which is crucial for various applications, such as skin protection, environmental monitoring, and industrial processes where UV exposure poses risks. These sensors provide real‐time data to ensure safety and optimize performance in relevant fields. In this context, the aim of this study was to develop easy‐to‐use UV sensors using photochromic nanofibrous materials. Photochromic nanofibers were obtained by electrospinning thermoplastic polyurethane and a spirooxazine dye. Two solvent systems (only dimethylformamide and a dimethylformamide:dichloromethane mixture) and three dye concentrations (0.5%, 2%, and 5%) were used to produce the nanofibers. Uniform and bead‐free nanofibers were obtained using a dimethylformamide:dichloromethane solvent system. The fatigue resistance of the photochromic nanofibers was tested, revealing a maximum color loss of 14% after 20 on‐off UV cycles. Nanofibers produced with a dimethylformamide:dichloromethane solvent system and a 0.5% dye concentration were chosen for UV sensor design due to their high total color difference. These photochromic nanofibers served as UV indicators, and a grayscale‐ adapted scale was used for evaluation. A UV sensor prototype capable of accurately determining UV exposure levels was successfully developed using photochromic nanofibers. This spectrally selective UV sensor can offer remarkable potential in managing the impact of UVR in our day‐to‐ day life. Highlights: Bead‐free, uniform nanofibers were obtained using a DMF:DCM solvent system.The nanofibers returned to their original colorless state in 5 min.The photochromic nanofibers showed high fatigue resistance.The nanofiber color indicated the UV intensity by comparing via adapted grayscale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]