Electrospinning Technique Research Articles

Facile electrospinning-electrospray method to fabricate flexible rice straw-derived cellulose acetate/TiO2 nanofibrous membrane with excellent photocatalytic performance

A novel and facile electrospinning-electrospray (EE) method that based on electrospinning technique and simultaneous electrospray was proposed to anchor TiO2 (P25) nanoparticles on the surface of rice straw-derived cellulose acetate (CA) nanofiber, a series of EE-CA/P25 nanofibrous membranes with different P25 dosage were successfully fabricated, which were characterized in terms of SEM, TEM, FI-IR, XRD, DRS, PL, UV–vis and 3D-EMMs, etc. Results confirmed that P25 nanoparticles were anchored on the surface of CA nanofiber. For different organic dyes of Methylene blue (MB), Rhodamine B (RhB) and Methyl orange (MO), EE-CA/P25(0.05) nanofibrous membrane toward MB dye showed the best photocatalytic degradation efficiency of 99.13 % after 30 min of light exposure. For the different antibiotics of Tetracycline (TC), Ciprofloxacin (CIP) and Sulfamethoxazole (SMX), EE-CA/P25(0.05) exhibited the best photocatalytic degradation efficiency of 83.59 % for TC after 30 min of light exposure. Moreover, EE-CA/P25(0.05) exhibited a good antimicrobial efficiency of 98.42 % for E. coli, and maintained 97.49 % after 5 cycles. The reactive radical trapping experiments revealed that h+, •O2−, and •OH participated in the reaction, and h+ and •O2− played a major role in the photocatalytic degradation process. Moreover, EE-CA/P25(0.05) flexible membrane was easy to recycle and transform rice straw waste into treasure.

Advancements in textile techniques for cardiovascular tissue replacement and repair.

In cardiovascular therapeutics, procedures such as heart transplants and coronary artery bypass graft are pivotal. However, an acute shortage of organ donors increases waiting times of patients, which is reflected in negative effects on the outcome for the patient. Post-procedural complications such as thrombotic events and atherosclerotic developments may also have grave clinical implications. To address these challenges, tissue engineering is emerging as a solution, using textile technologies to synthesize biomimetic scaffolds resembling natural tissues. This comprehensive analysis explains methodologies including electrospinning, electrostatic flocking, and advanced textile techniques developed from weaving, knitting, and braiding. These techniques are evaluated in the context of fabricating cardiac patches, vascular graft constructs, stent designs, and state-of-the-art wearable sensors. We also closely examine the interaction of distinct process parameters with the biomechanical and morphological attributes of the resultant scaffolds. The research concludes by combining current findings and recommendations for subsequent investigation.

Three birds with one stone: Preparation of multifunctional Fe-MOF/PAN nanofiber membranes for wastewater treatment

In this research, a new NH2-MIL-88B(Fe)/polyacrylonitrile nanofiber membrane (NPNFM) was synthesized utilizing a straightforward electrospinning technique. The morphological characteristics and performance of nanofiber membranes were finely tuned via adjusting the dosage of NH2-MIL-88B(Fe) (NM88B, the “stone”). The prepared NPNFM exhibits superhydrophilicity/underwater superoleophobicity, coupled with outstanding photo-Fenton self-cleaning ability (the first two “birds”). This membrane efficiently and swiftly facilitated the separation of various surfactant-stabilized emulsions under gravitational force, achieving a separation efficiency and flux of up to 99.5 % and 350.3 L m-2h−1, respectively. The fouling on the membrane surface can be rapidly decomposed, attributing to the superior photo-Fenton activity of NM88B. Furthermore, the organic dye methylene blue (MB) was degraded by 97.4 % within 40 min under the catalytic influence of the membrane. The nanofiber membrane has good mechanical properties and its tensile strength is about 2.3 times that of the original membrane attributing to the good compatibility between NM88B and the membrane matrix (the third “bird”). This study proposed new Fe-MOF-based photo-Fenton multifunctional membranes with the characteristics of environmental stability and high efficiency in wastewater treatment fields.

Demonstrating the potential of bioactive glass-infused electrospun PVB fibrous patches in atopic dermatitis moisturizing therapy

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by pruritic and eczematous lesions. Current treatment modalities often focus on symptomatic relief through topical moisturizers to restore impaired skin barrier function. Bioactive glasses, such as 45S5 and 59S compositions, have gained attention for their potential therapeutic applications in dermatological conditions due to their biocompatibility, bioactivity, and ability to promote wound healing. In this study, we explore the feasibility and efficacy of utilizing electrospun polyvinyl butyral (PVB) fibrous patches infused with bioactive glass particles as a novel approach for moisturizing therapy in AD. The electrospun PVB fibrous patches were fabricated through a simple and scalable electrospinning technique, incorporating bioactive glass particles. Physicochemical properties, including morphology, mechanical strength, and bioactive properties, were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile testing, and in- vitro bioactivity. Additionally, the protein absorption kinetics of the fibrous patches were evaluated. Furthermore, in-vitro hemocompatibility, cell viability studies and live/dead assay were conducted to assess the biocompatibility of the bioactive glass-infused PVB fibrous patches. Our findings demonstrate that the incorporation of bioactive glass particles into electrospun PVB fibrous patches confers enhanced mechanical properties and sustained release of bioactive ions, providing a promising platform for prolonged moisturizing therapy.

Optimizing Cu 3d Bands with Nanotubular SnO2 to Boost Their Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation Activity.

Catalytic transfer hydrogenation (CTH) using Cu nanocatalysts offers significant advantages over direct high-pressure hydrogenation. However, the active hydrogen (H*) in this process exhibits poor adsorption and tends to release H2 readily due to the fully occupied 3d states of Cu. To address this issue, a tubular SnO2 support with electron-accepting ability was selected to host Cu nanoparticles, aiming to optimize the Cu 3d bands. The Cu/SnO2 nanohybrids were prepared through an electrospinning technique, followed by hydrothermal synthesis. As evidenced by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) binding energy shifts and density functional theory (DFT) simulations, some electrons from Cu transferred to SnO2 in the Cu/SnO2 nanohybrids due to their different work functions. Such electron transfer enables the Cu 3d orbitals to lose electrons and alters its valence configuration from 3d10 to 3d10-x, which enhances the adsorption of active H* atoms and thereby inhibits undesirable H2 release. The 15 wt % Cu/SnO2 exhibits improved catalytic hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol with NaBH4, with an optimal normalized rate constant of 56.98 mg-1 min-1 and a turnover frequency of 4.82 min-1, surpassing most reported catalysts. The enhanced activity is attributed to the optimized electronic states, improved hydrogen adsorption, and the tubular structure of the support. This work might shed light on developing more non-noble metal nanocatalysts for CTH by tuning their d bands with appropriate oxide supports.

Effect of carbon nanotubes and zinc oxide on electrical and mechanical properties of polyvinyl alcohol matrix composite by electrospinning method.

In this study, polymer composite nanofibers and thin membranes were synthesized using Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) and Zinc Oxide (ZnO) as fillers in a Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) matrix, aiming to evaluate their electrical and mechanical properties. The composite nanofibers and thin membranes were prepared by incorporating different weight ratios of CNTs and ZnO into the PVA matrix using electrospinning and solution casting techniques, respectively. Solutions were prepared by mixing specific weight ratios of PVA, ZnO, and CNTs, followed by magnetic stirring and ultrasonication for homogenization. Electrospinning was performed at 20kV with a syringe-to-collector distance of 14.5cm at flow rate of 2.4ml/hr. The composites were characterized using FTIR spectroscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The PVA/5%ZnO/0.5%CNT composite exhibited the highest dielectric constant of 10.3 at high frequencies, while PVA/5%CNT showed the highest capacitance of 31.1 pF at 2MHz. The maximum AC conductivity of 2.72 × 10- 7S/m was also observed for the PVA/5%ZnO/0.5%CNT composite. Mechanical testing revealed significant improvements in Young's modulus, stress yield, and load yield, with PVA/5%CNT achieving a Young's modulus of 387.12 MPa and a stress yield of 6.92 MPa. The addition of ZnO and CNT fillers resulted in enhanced electrical and mechanical properties, making these composites suitable for applications in microelectronic devices and packaging materials.

Electrospinning of LaB6/PEDOT:PSS/PEO Fiber Composites of Unique Morphologies.

We present a direct electrospinning fabrication technique for the manufacture of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate)/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEDOT:PSS/PEO) polymer fibers containing embedded cubic lanthanum hexaboride (LaB6) particles. We focus on the impact of relative humidity on the formation of uniform polymer fibers and show that a relative humidity of 5% is optimal, resulting in an average fiber thickness of 266 ± 88 nm. As the relative humidity is increased, the fibers contain beads as a consequence of Rayleigh instabilities. The addition of lanthanum hexaboride cubic particles to the polymer solution before electrospinning results in the encapsulation of the LaB6 particles inside the fibers. We investigate the effect of LaB6 particle size on morphology and observe that particles of ∼500 nm yield a fiber-cube-fiber morphology, while 2 μm particles result in fewer embedded cubes along the length of the polymer fibers. This phenomenon likely arises from electrodynamic interactions between the LaB6 particles in the polymer solution and the electric field lines generated during electrospinning between the spinneret and the collector. Our results display the versatility of the electrospinning technique in the fabrication of unique polymer/hexaboride composite fibers.

Development and characterization of solriamfetol-loaded PVA/PLGA electrospun nanofiber membranes: A promising approach for sustained narcolepsy treatment

Narcolepsy presents challenges in medication adherence and delivery, with traditional oral medications not always suitable for patients experiencing unexpected sleep episodes or difficulty in swallowing pills. This study focused on developing a solriamfetol (SF) loaded nanofiber membrane using a polymer blend of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) for the management of narcoleptic patients with non-oral dosage options. The design required synthesis, optimization, characterization, and evaluation of these nanofibers for transdermal drug delivery. Using a Box-Behnken design, the nanofibers were produced via the electrospinning technique, achieving a high drug content of 96.31 ± 1.21 % and entrapment efficiency of 96.18 ± 1.42 %. The in vitro drug release studies demonstrated a prolonged release profile of SF over 24 h, with 97 % ± 2 % of the drug released. The SEM analysis revealed that the surface morphology of the nanofibers was smooth and homogenous, and the average diameter of the SF/PVA/PLGA nanofibers was found to be 150.23 ± 2.50 nm. X-ray diffraction results confirmed the amorphous structure of the nanofibers. The zebrafish embryonic toxicological study did not reveal any signs of toxicity or morphological abnormalities in the developing embryos, indicating that the nanofibers are safe. The results point to the applicability of SF nanofiber membranes in personalized narcolepsy therapy, which improves patients’ quality of life and the efficacy of their treatment. These nanofibers can be given in the form of a transdermal patch to patients for sustained drug delivery, even when they fall asleep or when they cannot take medicines orally.

Preparation of Phosphorus/Hollow Silica Microsphere Modified Polyacrylonitrile-Based Carbon Fiber Composites and Their Thermal Insulation and Flame Retardant Properties

Since thermal insulation materials with a single function cannot satisfy the increasing requirements for complex usage, the combination of thermal insulation with flame retardancy is desirable in multiple applications. Herein, phosphorous-containing flame retardant modifier (5.0 wt.%, 9.0 wt.%, and 13.0 wt.%) and hollow silica microsphere (130 nm of diameter) were composited with polyacrylonitrile-based carbon nanofibers via electrospinning technique. Electrospun phosphorous/silica/carbon nanofibers (P/HSM/CF) exhibited a uniform and clear fibrous structure (508, 170, and 1550 nm of average fiber diameter) with modified uniform and complete spherical silica. Reduced thermal conductivity (39.9–41.2 mW/m/K) and enhanced limiting oxygen index (29.5–33.5%) were achieved, enabling fire protection grade of fiber membrane from UL-94 V-1 grade to UL-94 V-0 grade efficiently. Moreover, favorable tensile strength (8.64–9.27 MPa) and elongation at break (43.28–48.54%) were obtained, presenting expected applications in structural components. The findings of this work provided a valuable reference for the fabrication of carbon nanofiber-based thermal insulation materials with excellent flame retardant and mechanical properties.

Design of cellulose nanocrystal‐integrated poly(vinyl alcohol)/polyethylene glycol electrospun nanofiber scaffolds for biomedical applications

AbstractThe present study aims to fabricate cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) doped poly(vinyl alcohol) polyethylene glycol (PVA/PEG) nanocomposite films for biomedical applications. The nanocomposite films were prepared by using electrospinning techniques with varying percentages of CNCs (10% and 20%) mixed with PVA and PEG (50:50). The properties of the produced nanocomposites were evaluated using a battery of tests. The results of surface morphology and structural miscibility obtained from field emission‐scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), atomic force microscopy, and Fourier transformer infra‐red studies revealed appreciable compatibility among the three components (CNCs, PVA, and PEG). FE‐SEM micrographs revealed that the nanomaterials underwent a dramatic transition from discontinuous to continuous fibers, with interconnected or network‐like fibers. The constructed scaffold material's stability went up from three to four phases, according to thermal and degradation experiments. In addition, research on biodegradation and water absorption found that CNCs outperformed pure PVA and PVA/PEG in terms of swelling percentage time and enzyme degradation rate. The hemolysis assay of the PVA/PEG/CNC scaffold showed good compatibility (below 5%) and according to the MTT assay, both NIH 3T3 and L929 cells survived well, indicating that the CNCs could serve as a useful scaffold for tissue engineering applications such skin tissue regeneration. In sum, the findings proved that biological domains including tissue engineering and wound healing can benefit from produced nanofiber scaffolds.

Synergistic Integration of α-Ag2WO4 into PLA/PBAT for the Development of Electrospun Membranes: Advancing Structural Integrity and Antimicrobial Efficacy.

The rising resistance of various pathogens and the demand for materials that prevent infections drive the need to develop broad-spectrum antimicrobial membranes capable of combating a range of microorganisms, thereby enhancing safety in biomedical and industrial applications. Herein, we introduce a simple and efficient technique to engineer membranes composed of polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) biopolymers and α-Ag2WO4 particles using an electrospinning technique. The corresponding structural, thermal, mechanical, and antimicrobial properties were characterized. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the integration of crystalline α-Ag2WO4 within the polymer matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman confocal microscopy revealed uniformly dispersed α-Ag2WO4 particles in the electrospun fibers, influencing their diameter and surface roughness. Thermal analysis indicated adjustments in the thermal stability and crystallinity of the composites with an increasing α-Ag2WO4 content. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) highlighted variations in storage modulus and glass transition temperatures due to interactions between α-Ag2WO4 and polymer chains, with tensile tests showing an increase in elastic modulus and ultimate tensile strength as the α-Ag2WO4 content increased. Antimicrobial assessments revealed that PLA/PBAT membranes with α-Ag2WO4 showed pronounced antibacterial activity, forming inhibition halos across all samples against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Mycobacterium smegmatis (a surrogate for Mycobacterium tuberculosis). These membranes also exhibited potent antiviral activity against bacteriophage phi 6, a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2, suggesting potential applications in combating infections caused by enveloped viruses. The antimicrobial activities are attributed to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the controlled release of Ag+ ions. This work underscores the multifaceted capabilities of α-Ag2WO4-enhanced PLA/PBAT membranes in combating bacterial and viral growth, where both durability and microbial resistance are critical. Taken together, our findings provide a solution for obtaining advanced materials to be applied in a wide range of industrial applications, such as filtration systems, food preservation, antimicrobial coatings, protective textiles, and cleaning products.

Research Progress of Flexible Electronic Devices Based on Electrospun Nanofibers.

Electrospun nanofibers have become an important component in fabricating flexible electronic devices because of their permeability, flexibility, stretchability, and conformability to three-dimensional curved surfaces. This review delves into the advancements in adaptable and flexible electronic devices using electrospun nanofibers as the substrates and explores their diverse and innovative applications. The primary development of key substrates for flexible devices is summarized. After briefly discussing the principle of electrospinning, process parameters that affect electrospinning, and two major electrospinning techniques (i.e., single-fluid electrospinning and multifluid electrospinning), the review shines a spotlight on the recent breakthroughs in multifunctional and stretchable electronic devices that are based on electrospun substrates. These advancements include flexible sensors, flexible energy harvesting and storage devices, flexible accessories for electronic devices, and flexible environmental monitoring devices. In particular, the review outlines the challenges and potential solutions of developing electrospun nanofibers for flexible electronic devices, including overcoming the incompatibility of multiple interfaces, developing 3D microstructure sensor arrays with gradient geometry for various imperceptible on-skin devices, etc. This review may provide a comprehensive understanding of the rational design of application-oriented flexible electronic devices based on electrospun nanofibers.

A Review on Advances and Challenges in Core-Shell Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering: Design, Fabrication, and Clinical Translation.

This review explores core-shell scaffolds in bone tissue engineering, highlighting their osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties critical for bone growth and regeneration. Key design factors include material selection, porosity, mechanical strength, biodegradation kinetics, and bioactivity. Electrospun core-shell nanofibrous scaffolds demonstrate potential in delivering therapeutic agents and enhancing bone regeneration. Critical characterization techniques include structural, surface, chemical composition, mechanical, and degradation analyses. Scaling up production poses challenges, addressed by innovative electrospinning techniques. Future research focuses on regulatory and commercial considerations, while exploring advanced materials and fabrication methods to optimize scaffold performance for improved clinical outcomes.

Effect of Ni doping on the acetone vapor sensing performance of ZnO nanofibers

Nickel-doped zinc oxide (NiZ) nanofibres (NFs) were fabricated using sol-gel electrospinning (ES) technique followed by pyrolysis from an aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol/zinc acetate/nickel acetate tetrahydrate. The morphology of the NiZ NFs was analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), which revealed a uniform and well-defined fibrous structure. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results indicated complete removal of the organic phase from NiZ NFs during pyrolysis. The structural analysis confirmed the incorporation of Nickel (Ni) into the Zinc oxide (ZnO) lattice without altering its wurtzite crystal structure. The optical properties and bandgap variations were evaluated using UV–visible spectroscopy, which indicated a bandgap narrowing with increasing Nickel doping. The Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy confirmed the presence of defect states and recombination processes in the NFs. The gas sensing performance was investigated by measuring the response to various analytes at a concentration of 50 ppm with varying operating temperatures. The results indicated that the highest response was observed for 5 w% NiZ NFs towards acetone vapors. The response and recovery time were recorded at 80 s and 60 s. The enhanced sensitivity is attributed to the optimal doping concentration, which significantly improves the surface reaction and charge carrier mobility.

Balanced Adsorption Toward Highly Selective Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 to Formate.

Tin-based materials have been designed as potential catalysts for the electrochemical conversion of CO2 into a single product. However, such tin-based materials still face the challenges of unsatisfactory selectivity, because the rate-determining step is situated within the slow desorption step. In this work, a variety of tin-based materials are synthesized using the electrospinning technique in an effort to control the adsorption strength during electrochemical reduction, therefore improving the selectivity of CO2 reduction toward formate. The optimized SnS material exhibits moderate adsorption strength to *OCHO and *HCOOH, and the appropriate atomic distance of Sn-Sn maintained the balanced adsorption posture of both intermediate. Therefore, the rate-determining step can be shifted from the slow desorption of the *HCOOH step (Sn) to the first hydrogenation of the *OCHO species step (SnS). Due to this shift, the SnS/C electrode demonstrated excellent selectivity, with a Faradaic efficiency of 96% for the production of formate. A maximum current density of -12.5mA cm-2 for formate is also achieved for a period of33h.

Biocompatible Zn-Phthalocyanine/Gelatin Nanofiber Membrane for Antibacterial Therapy.

In this study, the fabrication and characterization of Zn-phthalocyanine/gelatin nanofibrous membranes is reported using the electrospinning technique. The membranes exhibit a homogeneous distribution of Zn-phthalocyanine within the gelatin matrix, maintaining the structural integrity and photosensitizing properties of the phthalocyanine. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the electrospun fibers possess diameters ranging results as 100-300, 200-700, and 300-800nm for Gel, ZnPc/Gel 1, and ZnPc/Gel 2, respectively. The addition of ZnPc does not decrease the hydrophilicity of the Gel membrane. The nanofibrous membranes showed good cytocompatibility, as indicated by the high viability of Vero cells exposed to membrane extracts. Furthermore, these composites supported cell adhesion and proliferation on their surfaces. The two Zn-phthalocyanine/gelatin nanofiber formulations exhibited significant antimicrobial activity toward Escherichia Coli (E. Coli) and Staphylococcus Aureus (S. Aureus) under visible light illumination, achieving reductions of 3.4 log10 and 3.6 log10 CFUmL-1 for E. coli, and 3.9 log10 and 4.1 log10 CFUmL-1 for S. aureus. These results demonstrate the potential of Zn-phthalocyanine/gelatin nanofibrous membranes as effective agents in antibacterial photodynamic therapy, providing a promising solution to control bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance.

Oriented Alginate-Poly(vinyl alcohol) Electrospun Nanofibers for Multimodal Sensing and Gesture Language Recognition.

Flexible nanofiber sensors have gained substantial attention in extending application scenarios owing to their desirable lightweight, comfort, and breathability. Nevertheless, disorder and uneven dimension issues of nanofibers are the leading concerns in their multifunctional response, which often leads to erratic response signals as well as poor linearity. In this work, a high-performance oriented nanofiber film with a three-dimensional network consisting of alginate sodium, poly(vinyl alcohol), and poly(ethylene oxide) was successfully fabricated by a controllable directional electrospinning technique. The main properties of the nanofibers are capable of being regulated intentionally by varying the electrospinning temperature, collector rotation speed, and polymer concentrations. Based on the favorable structure orientation, the nanofiber film displays satisfied biodegradability and high mechanical strength (575.1 MPa). Being integrated with modified magnetic particles, the sensors not only display a fast response speed, high magnetic sensitivity, and exceptional recoverability in response to magnetic fields but also show favorable sensitivities and reliable long-term durability under mechanical excitations. As a wearable sensor, it can accurately perceive the physiological signals generated by the human body in real-time. Furthermore, with the assistance of a convolutional neural network model, a gesture language recognition system is developed by integrating multiple sensors to realize a high recognition accuracy (∼99.08%). This study provides a feasible strategy to manufacture high-performance multimodal sensors for wearable human-machine interaction applications.

Advanced functional polymer materials for biomedical applications

AbstractPolymer structures are essential in biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to form intricate structures on micro‐ to nanometer scales. This review, emphasizing electrospinning and phase inversion techniques, examines the fabrication strategies and chemical design of polymer structures for biomedical use. Electrospinning, particularly needleless electrospinning, produces nanofibres with high porosity and flexibility and is widely applied in tissue engineering and drug delivery. Phase inversion, including thermal, nonsolvent‐, vapor‐ and evaporation‐induced phase separation, allows precise control over polymer properties but faces challenges in terms of cooling rates and solvent characteristics. Chemical design through doping, functionalization, cross‐linking and copolymerization enhances the biocompatibility, biodegradability and mechanical properties of polymers, facilitating advanced applications in drug delivery, tissue scaffolding and biosensors. Advanced functional polymers are revolutionizing biomedical fields, offering innovative solutions for therapeutic medicine delivery, disease detection, diagnostics, and regenerative medicine. Despite remarkable progress, challenges, such as scalability, cost‐effectiveness, and environmental impact, persist. This review underscores the transformative potential of advanced polymer materials in medical treatments and advocates for continuous research and interdisciplinary collaboration to overcome existing challenges and fully exploit the capabilities of these materials in improving patient care and medical outcomes. Future perspectives highlight enhancing precision control mechanisms, integrating phase inversion with other techniques and developing large‐scale production methods to advance the field further.

Integrating an antimicrobial nanocomposite to bioactive electrospun fibers for improved wound dressing materials

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

High Response and ppb-Level Detection toward Hydrogen Sensing by Palladium-Doped α-Fe2O3 Nanotubes.

Developing hydrogen sensors with parts per billion-level detection limits, high response, and high stability is crucial for ensuring safety across various industries (e.g., hydrogen fuel cells, chemical manufacturing, and aerospace). Despite extensive research on parts per billion-level detection, it still struggles to meet stringent requirements. Here, high performance and ppb-level H2 sensing have been developed with palladium-doped iron oxide nanotubes (Pd@Fe2O3 NTs), which have been prepared by FeCl3·6H2O, PdCl2, and PVP electrospinning and air calcination techniques. Various characterization techniques (FESEM, TEM, XRD, and so forth) were used to prove that the nanotube structure was successfully prepared, and the doping of Pd nanoparticles was realized. The experiments show that palladium doping can significantly improve the gas response of iron oxide nanotubes. Specifically, 0.59 wt % Pd@Fe2O3 NTs have high response (Ra/Rg = 41,000), high selectivity, and excellent repeatability for 200 ppm hydrogen at 300 °C. Notably, there was still a significant response at a low detection limit (LOD) of 50 ppb (Ra/Rg = 16.8). This excellent hydrogen sensing performance may be attributed to the high surface area of the nanotubes, the p-n heterojunction of PdO/Fe2O3, which allows more oxygen to be adsorbed on the surface, and the catalytic action of Pd nanoparticles, which promotes the reaction of hydrogen with surface-adsorbed oxygen.