Composite Nanofibrous Mats Research Articles

High mechanical property and hydrophilic electrospun poly amidoxime/poly acrylonitrile composite nanofibrous mats for extraction uranium from seawater

Seawater reserves about 4.5 billion tons of uranium, if properly extracted, could be a sustainable green energy resource for hundreds of years, alternating its limited terrestrial ore and reducing the CO2 emitted from fossil fuels. The current seawater uranium adsorbents suffer neither economically viable nor adsorption efficiency, requiring more development to harvest satisfactorily uranium from seawater. Amidoxime-based fibrous adsorbents are the most promising adsorbents of seawater uranium due to abundant chelating sites. However, they suffer from severe shrinkage and stiffness once they dry, losing porous architecture and mechanical properties. Herein, an economical and scalable two-nozzle electrospinning technology was applied to produce poly amidoxime nanofibers (PAO NFs) supported by Poly acrylonitrile nanofibers (PAN NFs) as composite PAO/PAN nanofibrous mats with high structure stability. These PAO/PAN mats, with rapid wettability and excellent mechanical strength, show promising uranium adsorption capacities of 369.8 mg/g at seawater pH level, much higher than PAO and PAN NFs. The uranium adsorption capacity of the PAO/PAN mat reached 5.16 mg/g after 7 days of circulating (10 ppm uranium) spiked natural seawater. Importantly, the composite mat maintained its fibrous structure after five adsorption-desorption cycles with more than 80 % of its adsorption capacity, confirming its recyclability and stability. Therefore, the composite PAO/PAN mat fulfills the basic requirements for effectively and economically trapping uranium from seawater, which could be a matrix for further development.

FABRICATION OF COPPER OXIDE NANOPARTICLES DOPED PCL/PVP NANOFIBROUS MATS BY ELECTROSPINNING AND EVALUATION OF THEIR ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITIES

In this study, PCL/PVP/CuO nanofibrous mats for antibacterial applications were fabricated by electrospinning technique using PCL/PVP as a biopolymer matrix and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) as antimicrobial agents. PCL/PVP/CuO nanofibrous mats were successfully produced by doping different ratios of CuONPs (0.5%, 1%, and 2% wt) into the PCL/PVP solution. The chemical, morphological, and wetting properties of the prepared composite nanofibrous mats were evaluated by FT-IR, FE-SEM analysis, and water contact angle measurements. The morphological investigation indicated that the fiber diameters of the resulting nanofibers decreased as the CuONP content added to the PCL/PVP matrix increased, and the mean fiber diameter value measured for the PCL/PVP/2%CuONPs nanofibrous sample was 186.73. Moreover, wetting behavior of nanofiber surfaces displayed that the incorporation of PVP significantly enhanced the surface wettability of PCL with hydrophobic properties, but the addition of CuONPs to the obtained PCL/PVP matrix decreased it. An in vitro bactericidal assay was performed to investigate the efficacy of PCL/PVP/CuO nanofibrous samples against Staphylococcus aureus. The addition of CuONPs to the fibers led to antibacterial activity, which was found to increase with higher doping ratios. The results showed the potential of PCL/PVP/CuO nanofibrous mats to serve as an effective biomaterial for antibacterial applications.

Fabrication and characterization of graphene‐loaded recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) electrospun composite nanofibrous mats with improved thermal conductivity

AbstractIn this study, graphene‐loaded electrospun recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (rPET) nanofibrous mats were produced and characterized morphologically, spectrally, mechanically and thermally. Particularly, the effects of graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) and multilayer graphene (GML) in improving the thermal conductivity and heat dissipation abilities of rPET‐based composite nanofibers were investigated. The morphological analyzes pointed out that 1% graphene loading led to smooth nanofibers while 5 and 10% of GNP‐loading resulted in coarser nanofibers with rougher surfaces and agglomerations. The differential scanning calorimetry results pointed out that the crystallization temperature increased with increasing graphene content as a result of the pronounced nucleation effect. The thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated an improvement in the thermal stability of the composite nanofibers. The thermal conductivity coefficients increased to 25.422 W/mK‐35.842 W/mK for rPET/GNP nanofibers and up to 62.669 W/mK for rPET/GML nanofibers, compared to that of 12.753 W/mK for neat rPET nanofibers which correspond to an increase between 99 and 391%. Heat dissipation capability of the graphene‐loaded composite nanofibers was illustrated with infrared thermography data, displaying an increase in the average surface temperature of the nanofibrous mats between 2 and 19°C at 30 s of heating. The results suggest the use of the graphene‐loaded rPET composite nanofibers as textile materials for thermoregulating applications.Highlights Recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate)/graphene composite nanofibers are electrospun. Thermal conductivity of graphene‐loaded nanofibers increases by up to 391%. Graphene loading in nanofibers leads to faster and more uniform heat dissipation. Mechanical properties of composite nanofibers improve. Value‐added recycled polyester materials for thermal management are foreseen.

Highly stable functionalized PAN/Zr nanofibrous mats for removal of ultralow concentrations of Hg (II)

Nanofibrous mats of polyacrylonitrile loaded with zirconia (PAN/Zr) have been fabricated and reported for the first time for effective removal of Hg (II) from water. The formation, morphology and adsorption characteristics of the composite nanofibrous mats were determined using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The thermal behavior of the prepared nanofibrous mat was studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry. The adsorption behavior of the nanofibers was studied as a function of time, pH, dose and concentration of the Hg solution. The Langmuir isotherm of the developed material indicates that it is very effective at removing low concentrations of Hg (even <50 ppb) in water. Kinetic data were fitted to first- and second-order kinetics, and the material was successfully regenerated by an acid solution and reused three times while retaining 80% removal efficiency for Hg. As the PAN/Zr/composite nanofibers are chemically and thermally stable, they can be easily regenerated and reused for effective removal of Hg(II), as per WHO/Environmental Protection Agency requirements.

Chitosan-Collagen Electrospun Nanofibers Loaded with Curcumin as Wound-Healing Patches.

Composite chitosan-collagen nanofibrous mats embedded with curcumin were prepared via a single-step electrospinning procedure and explored as wound-healing patches with superior biological activity. A mild crosslinking protocol consisting of a short exposure to ammonia vapor and UV radiation was developed to ensure proper stability in physiological-like conditions without affecting the intrinsic biocompatibility of chitosan and collagen. The fabricated composite patches displayed a highly porous, homogeneous nanostructure consisting of fibers with an average diameter of 200 nm, thermal stability up to 200 °C, mechanical features able to ensure protection and support to the new tissues, and water-related properties in the ideal range to allow exudate removal and gas exchange. The release kinetic studies carried out in a simulated physiological environment demonstrated that curcumin release was sustained for 72 h when the mats are crosslinked hence providing prolonged bioactivity reflected by the displayed antioxidant properties. Remarkably, combining chitosan and collagen not only ensures prolonged stability and optimal physical-chemical properties but also allows for better-promoting cell adhesion and proliferation and enhanced anti-bacteriostatic capabilities with the addition of curcumin, owing to its beneficial anti-inflammatory effect, ameliorating the attachment and survival/proliferation rates of keratinocytes and fibroblasts to the fabricated patches.

Fabrication of PCL/CMARX/GO Composite Nanofibrous Mats for Dye Adsorption: Wastewater Treatment.

The effluents of industrial wastewater contain several toxic organic and inorganic pollutants that may contaminate clean and freshwater sources if untreated or poorly treated. These toxic pollutants include colors; hazardous compounds; surfactants; cosmetics; agrochemicals; pharmaceutical by-products; and agricultural, pharmaceutical, and medical contaminants. Treating wastewater has become a global problem. Many projects have been started in the last two decades to treat wastewater, resultant water pollution, and associated waste management problems. Adsorbants based on graphene oxide (GO) are viable wastewater treatment materials due to their adaptability, photocatalytic action, and capacity for self-assembly. Here, we report the fabrication of nanofibrous mats from polycaprolactone (PCL), carboxymethyl arabinoxylan (CMARX), and carboxyl-functionalized-graphene oxide using an electrospinning technique. The silver nanoparticles were loaded onto the mat to enhance their photocatalytic activity. These mats were characterized using different techniques, including Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The water contact angles were used to study their hydrophilic and hydrophobic behavior. The Langmuir isotherm model and adsorption kinetics were studied to evaluate their adsorption capabilities against methylene blue (MB). Sample 2 followed the Langmuir isotherm model (R2 = 0.9939). Adsorption kinetics exhibited pseudo-second order behavior (R2 = 0.9978) due to their maximum correlation coefficient values. MB has excellent adsorption at room temperature and the formation of the monolayer at the surface of the adsorption mat. An enhanced PO43- and MB adsorption was observed, providing recyclability up to 4-5 times. Hence, the fabricated nanofibrous mat would be a potential candidate for more effective wastewater treatment applications.

Development of Verapamil Hydrochloride-loaded Biopolymer-based Composite Electrospun Nanofibrous Mats: In vivo Evaluation of Enhanced Burn Wound Healing without Scar Formation.

Researchers aim for new heights in wound healing to produce wound dressings with unique features. Natural, synthetic, biodegradable, and biocompatible polymers especially in the nanoscale are being employed to support and provide efficient wound management. Economical and environmentally friendly sustainable wound management alternatives are becoming an urgent issue to meet future needs. Nanofibrous mats possess unique properties for ideal wound healing. They mimic the physical structure of the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), promote hemostasis, and gas permeation. Their interconnected nanoporosity prevents wound dehydration and microbial infiltration. To prepare and evaluate a novel verapamil HCl-loaded environmentally friendly composite, with biopolymer-based electrospun nanofibers suitable for application as wound dressings providing adequate wound healing with no scar formation. Composite nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning of a blend of the natural biocompatible polymers, sodium alginate (SA) or zein (Z) together with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Composite nanofibers were characterized in terms of morphology, diameter, drug entrapment efficiency, and release. In vivo study of the therapeutic efficacy of verapamil HCl-loaded nanofibers on a Sprague Dawley rat model with dermal burn wound was investigated in terms of percent wound closure, and presence of scars. Combining PVA with SA or Z improved the electrospinnability and properties of the developed nanofibers. Verapamil HCl-loaded composite nanofibers showed good pharmaceutical attributes favorable for wound healing including, fiber diameter ∼150 nm, high entrapment efficiency (∼80-100%) and biphasic controlled drug release for 24 h. In vivo study demonstrated promising potentials for wound healing without scaring. The developed nanofibrous mats combined the beneficial properties of the biopolymers and verapamil HCl to provide an increased functionality by exploiting the unique advantages of nanofibers in wound healing at a small dose proved to be insufficient in case of the conventional dosage form.

Chitosan/silk fibroin composite bilayer PCL nanofibrous mats for bone regeneration with enhanced antibacterial properties and improved osteogenic potential

In regenerative medicine and bone tissue engineering, various composite materials are enormously popular, but the final tissue restoration outcome is not always satisfactory. In this study, bilayer-deposited multifunctional nanofiber mats were successfully fabricated with an osteogenic side of silk fibroin/poly (ε-caprolactone) (referred to as SF/PCL) and an antibacterial side of poly (ε-caprolactone)/chitosan (referred to as PCL/CS). The PCL/CS-SF/PCL (referred to as PCSP) mats exhibited biocompatible properties, sufficient hydrophilicity and mechanical properties, as well as a higher breaking strength (3.6 MPa) than the monolayer of SF/PCL mats (1.5 MPa). The antibacterial side of PCSP mats (A-layer) demonstrated ideal antibacterial potency because the survival rate of Escherichia coli (E. coli) (approximately 25 %) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (approximately 15 %) were both significantly lower. Subsequently, the plasmid encoding runt related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) was complexed with the osteogenic side of PCSP mats (O-layer) through polyethyleneimine (PEI), thereby enhancing both osteogenesis-related gene expression and the formation of mineralized nodules. Similarly, the implantation of PCSP+Runx2 mats effectively promoted bone tissue generation in vivo. These results indicated the excellent prospects of applying PCSP mats to bone regeneration with gene delivery.

Heterointerface Effects in Electrospun Carbon Nanotube/Poly(vinylidene difluoride) Nanofibrous Mats for Microwave Absorption

Developing highly flexible, mechanically strong, and highly efficient microwave absorption materials is urgently needed to solve the electromagnetic (EM) wave pollution problems in the areas of fast-growing electronic devices. Herein, poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF) composite nanofibrous mats combined with functionalized carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were fabricated by a facile electrospinning process. The hydrogen-bonding heterointerfaces between PVDF and acidified CNTs (a-CNTs) favored interfacial polarization relaxation compared with the covalent heterointerfaces between PVDF and aminated CNTs (NH2–CNTs), resulting in better microwave absorption performance. Furthermore, 4,4′-diaminodiphenylsulfone (DDS) was adopted as the chemical cross-linking agent. The PVDF nanocomposite nanofibrous mats with 0.25 wt % DDS exhibited excellent microwave absorbing properties with a minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −30.4 dB at 7.2 GHz and a thickness of 3.4 mm as well as an effective absorption bandwidth of 5.0 GHz at a thickness of 1.6 mm. More importantly, the mechanical properties were improved simultaneously, because of the cross-linking reaction occurring within the PVDF nanofibers. A tensile strength and a modulus of 1.2 and 21.7 MPa were achieved, respectively. The provided strategy would facilitate the design of highly flexible and mechanically strong electrospun nanofibrous mats for microwave absorption applications.

Cd-doped SnO2-reduced Graphene Oxide Composite Nanofibrous Mats as CO Gas Sensors

Cd-doped SnO2-reduced Graphene Oxide Composite Nanofibrous Mats as CO Gas Sensors

Highly sensitive formaldehyde sensors based on CuO/ZnO composite nanofibrous mats using porous cellulose acetate fibers as templates

An innovative formaldehyde sensor based on CuO/ZnO composite nanofibrous mats (C-NFMs) coated quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), which is capable of stable determination of formaldehyde gas at ambient temperatures sensitively and selectively, has been successfully fabricated. Triaxial and highly porous C-NFMs with high surface area (126.53 m2 g−1) were synthesized by electrospinning a sol-gel cellulose acetate (CA)/CuAc2/ZnAc2 complex solution and following by calcination process. Benefiting from the unique heterojunction structure, immense pore interconnectivity and large surface area of C-NFMs, the as-developed QCM sensors exhibited an extremely low limit of detection (LOD) down to 26 ppb and a limit of quantification value equals to 87 ppb. Besides, the C-NFMs coated QCM sensors also demonstrated short response times (80s), the long-term stability during 3 weeks as well as good selectivity to formaldehyde over diverse volatile organic compounds. The sorption equilibrium in the adsorption process of QCM coated sensors was well met with the Freundlich model, which certified the heterogeneous adsorption between formaldehyde gas and C-NFMs.

Chitosan/collagen layer-by-layer deposition for improving the esophageal regeneration ability of nanofibrous mats

The morbidity of a diverse array of esophageal diseases has been increasing in recent years, and postoperative bacterial infection is a common potential risk. Current research on artificial esophageal stents is lacking and less than satisfactory. Artificial materials with excellent mechanical, antimicrobial, and cytocompatible properties at the same time still have great potential. In this study, chitosan (CS) and collagen (COL) were deposited on nylon 6 (N6)/silk fibroin (SF) composite nanofibers using layer-by-layer self-assembly (LBL). The obtained nanofibrous mats were characterized, and the results indicated that the surface morphology and hydrophilicity of the composite nanofibrous mats were obviously improved by the deposition of CS and COL. The mechanical properties of the composite nanofibrous mats were also improved after LBL modification. In addition, the LBL-structured nanofibrous mats possessed excellent antibacterial activity, reaching more than 90% inhibition of gram-positive and negative bacteria. The results of cell experiments indicated that the nanofibrous mats modified by CS and COL had excellent biocompatibility for promoting human esophageal epithelial cell adhesion and proliferation. In vivo animal experiments showed that the LBL-structured nanofibrous mats were beneficial to the healing of esophageal defects compared with the control group. In summary, LBL-structured nanofibrous mats are very promising materials for esophageal replacement to reduce the incidence of postoperative complications.

TiO2/rectorite-trapped cellulose composite nanofibrous mats for multiple heavy metal adsorption

The anthropogenic release of highly toxic heavy metals into the environment presents a huge challenge for ecosystems and human society. Recoverable and efficient adsorption materials could be obtained by trapping inorganic adsorbents (e.g., TiO2 nanoparticles and rectorite (REC)), in a natural polymer matrix. In this study, a series of cellulose-TiO2/REC composite nanofibrous mats were fabricated via electrospinning. The interactions between inorganic adsorbents and cellulose molecules improved the thermal stability, surface area, tensile strength and adsorption capacity of the mats. We focused on the adsorption of Pb2+, Cu2+ and Cd2+ from acidic solutions onto cellulose-TiO2/REC composite nanofibrous mats in multiple systems because the magnitudes of heavy metal concentrations in wastewater typically varied. The maximum total adsorption capacity of 69.81 mg/g was obtained by Cellulose-TiO2/REC2:1 nanofibrous mats. The composite nanofibrous mats successfully trapped TiO2 nanoparticles, and the obtained cellulose-TiO2/REC nanofibrous mats could be used to remove heavy metals from acidic wastewater.

Comparative effects of electrospinning ways for fabricating green, sustainable, flexible, porous, nanofibrous cellulose/chitosan carbon mats as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

To develop a clean and sustainable carbon anode material derived from biomass with desirable properties for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), bio-nitrogen (N)-doped composite carbon nanofibrous mats (CNFMs) were made using natural cellulose (CE) and chitosan (CS) by means of two different electrospinning ways (single-nozzle and coaxial-nozzle) coupled with pyrolysis. The conventional CNFMs that had a CE/CS ratio of 5:5 showed the best electrochemical performance, corresponding to a high specific capacity of 327 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1, good rate performance with specific capacity of 399 mAh g−1 at 30 mA g−1 and 210 mA g−1 at 1000 mA g−1, as well as excellent cycling stability after 300 cycles. The core–shell CNFMs with a thick outer layer of CS and large average fiber diameter (316 nm) at the same CE/CS ratio had higher pyridinic-N and pyrrolic-N contents but a lower degree of graphitization and BET surface area compared to the conventional CNFMs. It was concluded that the bio-N in CS was more uniformly doped into the CNFMs by the single-nozzle electrospinning way than by the coaxial one, and thus more effectively promoted a comprehensive electrochemical performance.

Effect of interleaved composite nanofibrous mats on quasi-static and impact properties of composite plate

The necessity to produce modern composites with an acceptable impact resistance is an essential task in automobile and aerospace industry that needs to be satisfied. This capability is addressed by noteworthy energy absorption augmentation which is the most vital characteristic of such composite materials. In this paper, nanofibers are applied as interleaves to modify the delamination strength with a minimum rise in weight and thickness of the high-modulus polypropylene/epoxy composites. Nylon 6,6 nanofibers are produced by the electrospinning method. The distribution of nanofibers across the mats is examined by SEM. Innegra fabrics have been applied in composite layers production. The proper hand lay-up manufacturing of the laminates has been assured by the assistance of a hydraulic press. The energy absorption capacity at the onset of breakdown and impact resistance of the nanomodified and non-modified laminates were determined by quasi-static three-point flexural for the former and low-velocity impact tests for the latter. The obtained results were compared. The results showed a 6.2 and 16.9% increase in the energy absorption capacity of nanomodified laminates in quasi-static three-point flexural test and low-velocity impact tests, respectively. In addition, low-velocity impact tests revealed 16 and 26% improvement in maximum load capacity.

Synthesis of surface modified hydrophobic PTFE-ZnO electrospun nanofibrous mats for removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from air

The article reports a two-step synthesis of composite nanofibrous mats of polytetraflouroethylene/zinc oxide (PTFE-ZnO); first, emulsion electrospinning of precursor solution was performed to yield as-spun mats followed by heat treatment at 280 °C. The surface of pure PTFE nanofibrous mats was modified by varying the amount of ZnO loadings in the electrospinning solution from 10 to 20 wt.%. Physiochemical characterization of synthesized mats was performed by FESEM, EDX, AFM, FTIR, Raman, TGA and contact angle goniometry. It was observed that fiber mean diameter decreased from 0.243 ± 15.10 μm to 0.17 ± 30.50 μm, RMS roughness increased from 112 to 627 nm and CA improved from 102.56° to 121.55° with the rise in ZnO content up to 20 wt% compared to the pure PTFE mats. Higher surface area, roughness and hydrophobicity of PTFE-ZnO mats resulted into significantly enhanced adsorption ability of VOCs on their surfaces against three model VOCs, namely, toluene, acetone and formaldehyde. The results have demonstrated that surface adsorption capacity of tested VOCs has considerably increased to 10, 07 and 03 folds respectively for the nanofibrous mats containing 20 wt.% ZnO, compared to pure PTFE mats. Based on these findings, these nanofibrous mats can potentially be used as filters for VOCs and particulate removal from air in the processing industries.

Co‐electrospun cellulose diacetate‐graft‐poly(ethylene terephthalate) and collagen composite nanofibrous mats for cells culture

AbstractIn this study, a kind of novel composite nanofibrous mats with cellulose diacetate‐graft‐poly(ethylene terephthalate) (CDA‐g‐PET) and Type I collagen were obtained by electrospinning and five different ratios of CDA‐g‐PET/Type I collagen (1:0, 1:0.1, 1:0.2, 1:0.3, 1:0.4) were set to explore the effects of components on its properties. The scanning electron microscope images demonstrated that the formation of uniform and smooth nanofibers with free beads. Compared with pure CDA‐g‐PET mats, the composite materials transformed into hydrophilic ones with increasing the content of Type I collagen. Moreover, the tensile strength of the composite nanofibrous mats got higher, while its water vapor transmission rate got lower after blending with Type I collagen. In addition, the cell proliferation and adhesion on composite nanofibrous mats were improved according by the results of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) culturing experiments. Especially, the cells growth attained optimum when the CDA‐g‐PET/Type I collagen ratio reached 1:0.3 and 1:0.4, where showed no significant difference. In consequence, the above results indicated that the novel composite nanofibrous mats consisted of CDA‐g‐PET and Type I collagen obtained by electrospinning combined good mechanical strength of CDA‐g‐PET and excellent biological functions of Type I collagen. The nanoscale structure might mimic the nanofibrous extracellular matrix feature, which present the potential use in cells culture.

Manuka honey incorporated cellulose acetate nanofibrous mats: Fabrication and in vitro evaluation as a potential wound dressing

Wound dressings are the primary barrier between the wound surface and the outer environment. Here we report the fabrication of cellulose acetate (CA)–Manuka honey (MH) composite nanofibrous mats as a biocompatible and antimicrobial wound dressing. CA mats with different quantities of MH were developed by electrospinning. The ATR-FTIR spectra confirm the inclusion of MH in the composite CA-MH nanofibrous mats. The fibers were continuous and bead-free with acceptable mechanical properties. The fiber diameter increased with an increase in MH content. Inclusion of MH in the electrospun composite CA-MH nanofibrous mats shows high efficacy to prevent bacterial growth on the wound surface.The MH loaded CA nanofiber mats showed good antioxidant abilities, while the ability to free radicalize the DPPH was dependent upon the factors of MH content in the fiber and the time of immersion in the DPPH solution. Besides, the nanofibrous mat's high porosity (85–90%) and WVTR values of 2600 to 1950 g/m2/day, suitable for wound breathability and the mats show high cytocompatibility to NIH 3T3 cell line in in vitro testing, proving to be effective for promoting wound healing.

Lysozyme/collagen multilayers layer-by-layer deposited nanofibers with enhanced biocompatibility and antibacterial activity.

Biological meshes have always posed a challenge in biological medicine, for which nanocomposites with enhanced biocompatibility and antibacterial activity may be beneficial. In this study, lysozyme (LY) and collagen (Col) were alternately deposited on silk fibroin (SF) and nylon 6 (N6) composite nanofibrous mats using a layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly technique. The mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and antibacterial activity of the LBL structured mats were characterized systematically to investigate the impact of the LBL process on the biological properties of SF/N6 nanofibrous mats. Our results showed that the effective deposition of LY and Col may affect the surface topography, mechanical properties, and wetting behavior of the SF/N6 nanofibrous mats. Moreover, LBL structured mats exhibited excellent biocompatibility and antibacterial properties. Among all the tested mats, those coated with 10 bilayers of LY and Col displayed the best biocompatibility, and relatively good mechanical and antibacterial properties. Thus, LBL structured mats, especially those with a 10 bilayer coating, are potentially valuable in clinical therapy for pelvic organ prolapse in the future.

Fabrication of a Novel Electrospun Polyacrylonitrile/Giant Ball {Mo132} Composite Nanofibrous Mats in Adsorption of 2-CEES

Background: Polyacrylonitrile/Mo132 composite nanofibers mats was synthesized by an electrospinning technique using PAN and giant ball nano-polyoxomolybdateMo132. The nanocluster Mo132 was mixed with PAN solution and then electrospun to produce bead-free nanofibers. The aim of this study is to evaluate the adsorption ability of electrospun composite nanofibers against sulfur mustard stimulants and assess the possibility of using the electrospun nanofibers as protective membranes in chemical masks and warfare clothing. Adsorption of sulfur mustard stimulants was investigated on the surface of PAN nanofibers embedded with keplerate nano-polyoxomolybdate. Methods: In order to study the 2-CEES adsorption ability, the prepared PAN/Mo132 nanofibers composite was further prepared and exposed to 2-CEES solution. The surface morphology and other properties of the PAN/Mo132 nanofibers composite were characterized by various techniques, including SEM, TEM, FT-IR, UV-Vis. SEM images which showed that the average diameter of the fibers was found to be between 100-120 nm. Results: The adsorption efficiency of PAN/Mo132 composite in adsorption of 2-CEES was obtained 89% after 7h at room temperature. The results showed that composite nanofibers PAN/Mo132 will have a good ability as protective clothing and chemical masks against chemical warfare agents. Conclusion: PAN/Mo132 nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning method. The leaching of Mo132 from the nanofibers was not observed, meaning that the catalyst had excellent stability and could be used as a heterogeneous structure against the adsorption of sulfur mustard stimulant at room temperature. This composite nanofibers membrane exhibited good performance to adsorb 2-CEES in comparison with pure PAN. The adsorption rate of 2-CEES increases with increasing the amount of Mo132 embedded in the PAN nanofibers.