Editorial

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Open AccessFeature PaperEditorial Nanofibers: Friend or Foe?

by Alke Petri-Fink, Barbara Rothen-Rutishauser and Martin J. D. Clift

Fibers 2016, 4(3), 25; doi:10.3390/fib4030025

Received: 27 June 2016 / Revised: 7 July 2016 / Accepted: 8 July 2016 / Published: 2 September 2016

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Abstract Since the early 1990s nanoﬁbers, particularly those of a carbonaceous content [1] have received heightened interest due to their advantageous physico-chemical characteristics (e.g., high strength, stiffness, semi-conductor, increased thermal conductivity and one of the highest Young’s modulus [2]).[...] Full article

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Research

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Open AccessArticle Multi-Functional Magnetic Photoluminescent Photocatalytic Polystyrene-Based Micro- and Nano-Fibers Obtained by Electrospinning

by Michel Schaer, Mireille Crittin, Lamia Kasmi, Katarzyna Pierzchala, Caroline Calderone, Reinaldo G. Digigow, Alke Fink, László Forró and Andrzej Sienkiewicz

Fibers 2014, 2(1), 75-91; doi:10.3390/fib2010075

Received: 30 November 2013 / Revised: 27 January 2014 / Accepted: 6 February 2014 / Published: 25 February 2014

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Abstract

This work reports on the implementation of electrospinning (ES) as a facile route to encapsulate nano-engineered materials in a polystyrene (PS) matrix. We applied ES to co-encapsulate two kinds of nanoparticles, i.e., upconversion nanophosphors (UCNPs) and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), in

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This work reports on the implementation of electrospinning (ES) as a facile route to encapsulate nano-engineered materials in a polystyrene (PS) matrix. We applied ES to co-encapsulate two kinds of nanoparticles, i.e., upconversion nanophosphors (UCNPs) and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), in polystyrene (PS)-based micro- and nano-fibers (PSFs). This approach made it possible to integrate near-infrared (NIR) light-sensitive 500-nm β-NaYF₄:Yb, Er UCNPs with 10-nm γ-Fe₂O₃ SPIONs in PS fibers. During the ES process, PSFs were additionally loaded with a well-established singlet oxygen (¹∆_g) photosensitizer, rose bengal (RB). The thus obtained PSFs revealed the promising features of prospective multi-functional magnetic photoluminescent photocatalytic nano-constructs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanofibres: Friend or Foe?) Printed Edition available

Open AccessArticle Hierarchically Self-Assembled Nanofiber Films from Amylose-Grafted Carboxymethyl Cellulose

by Daisuke Hatanaka, Yasutaka Takemoto, Kazuya Yamamoto and Jun-ichi Kadokawa

Fibers 2014, 2(1), 34-44; doi:10.3390/fib2010034

Received: 18 November 2013 / Revised: 21 January 2014 / Accepted: 22 January 2014 / Published: 28 January 2014

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Abstract

In this paper, we report the formation of hierarchically self-assembled nanofiber films from amylose-grafted sodium carboxymethyl celluloses (NaCMCs) that were synthesized by a chemoenzymatic approach. First, maltooligosaccharide primer-grafted NaCMCs were prepared by a chemical reaction using two kinds of NaCMCs with different degrees

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In this paper, we report the formation of hierarchically self-assembled nanofiber films from amylose-grafted sodium carboxymethyl celluloses (NaCMCs) that were synthesized by a chemoenzymatic approach. First, maltooligosaccharide primer-grafted NaCMCs were prepared by a chemical reaction using two kinds of NaCMCs with different degrees of polymerization (DPs) from Avicel and cotton sources. Then, phosphorylase-catalyzed enzymatic polymerization of α-d-glucose 1-phosphate from the nonreducing ends of the primer chains on the products was conducted to produce the prescribed amylose-grafted NaCMCs. The films were obtained by drying aqueous alkaline solutions of the amylose-grafted NaCMCs. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image of the film fabricated from the material with the higher DP from the cotton source showed a clear, self-assembled, highly condensed tangle of nanofibers. The SEM image of the material with the lower DP from the Avicel source, on the other hand, showed an unclear nanofiber morphology. These results indicate that the DPs of the main chains in the materials strongly affected the hierarchically self-assembled nanofiber formation. The SEM images of the films after washing out the alkali, furthermore, showed that the fibers partially merged with each other at the interfacial area owing to the double helix formation between the amylose-grafted chains. The mechanical properties of the films under tensile mode also depended on the self-assembled morphologies of the amylose-grafted NaCMCs from the different sources. Full article

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Review

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Open AccessReview The Role of the Protein Corona in Fiber Structure-Activity Relationships

by Melanie Kucki, Jean-Pierre Kaiser, Martin J. D. Clift, Barbara Rothen-Rutishauser, Alke Petri-Fink and Peter Wick

Fibers 2014, 2(3), 187-210; doi:10.3390/fib2030187

Received: 2 May 2014 / Revised: 7 June 2014 / Accepted: 11 June 2014 / Published: 30 June 2014

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Abstract

When nanomaterials enter biological fluids, they are immediately covered by biomolecules, particularly proteins, forming the so-called protein corona. The dynamic nature and complexity of the protein corona can impact upon the biological effects and distribution of nanomaterials with an organism. Therefore, the protein

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When nanomaterials enter biological fluids, they are immediately covered by biomolecules, particularly proteins, forming the so-called protein corona. The dynamic nature and complexity of the protein corona can impact upon the biological effects and distribution of nanomaterials with an organism. Therefore, the protein corona is an important factor in determining the biological impact of any nanomaterials. The protein adsorption pattern is determined by various factors, including the bio-fluids’ protein composition, the nanomaterials’ physicochemical properties, as well as the time and type of exposure. Predominantly, research has focused upon spherical nano-objects, however, due to their ever-increasing potential use within human based applications, and, therefore, heightening and inevitable exposure to the human body, little is known regarding how proteins interact with nanofibers. Therefore, the present review focuses on the current knowledge as to how the geometry of man-made (nano)fibers, carbon nanotubes (in comparison with asbestos fibers), affects their interaction with proteins within biological fluids. Summarizing state-of the art methodologies applied to dissect protein-binding signatures, it is further discussed whether the protein corona composition of fibrous and non-fibrous materials differ, as well as what impact the protein corona has on (nano)fiber uptake, intracellular distribution and their subsequent toxicity. Full article

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Open AccessReview High Strength and High Modulus Electrospun Nanofibers

by Jian Yao, Cees W. M. Bastiaansen and Ton Peijs

Fibers 2014, 2(2), 158-186; doi:10.3390/fib2020158

Received: 12 February 2014 / Revised: 19 March 2014 / Accepted: 9 April 2014 / Published: 30 April 2014

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Abstract

Electrospinning is a rapidly growing polymer processing technology as it provides a viable and simple method to create ultra-fine continuous fibers. This paper presents an in-depth review of the mechanical properties of electrospun fibers and particularly focuses on methodologies to generate high strength

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Electrospinning is a rapidly growing polymer processing technology as it provides a viable and simple method to create ultra-fine continuous fibers. This paper presents an in-depth review of the mechanical properties of electrospun fibers and particularly focuses on methodologies to generate high strength and high modulus nanofibers. As such, it aims to provide some guidance to future research activities in the area of high performance electrospun fibers. Full article

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Open AccessReview Release of Carbon Nanotubes from Polymer Nanocomposites

by Lukas Schlagenhauf, Frank Nüesch and Jing Wang

Fibers 2014, 2(2), 108-127; doi:10.3390/fib2020108

Received: 11 February 2014 / Revised: 21 March 2014 / Accepted: 21 March 2014 / Published: 28 March 2014

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Abstract

Carbon nanotube (CNT)/polymer nanocomposites have superior properties compared to the neat polymer matrix. They now are widely used in industry, but questions have been raised about the risks of such materials since CNTs can be toxic when inhaled. For a risk assessment of

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Carbon nanotube (CNT)/polymer nanocomposites have superior properties compared to the neat polymer matrix. They now are widely used in industry, but questions have been raised about the risks of such materials since CNTs can be toxic when inhaled. For a risk assessment of CNT nanocomposites, it is crucial to know whether CNTs from nanocomposites can be released into the environment or if they remain embedded in the matrix. This review article summarizes the studies that investigated the release of CNTs from nanocomposites during the service life. Three scenarios are reviewed, the release of particles due to mechanical impact, the release due to weathering processes, and the release due to fire. A release during composite production and disposal is not incorporated. Full article

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Open AccessReview The Significance and Insignificance of Carbon Nanotube-Induced Inflammation

by Matthew S.P. Boyles, Linda C. Stoehr, Paul Schlinkert, Martin Himly and Albert Duschl

Fibers 2014, 2(1), 45-74; doi:10.3390/fib2010045

Received: 24 December 2013 / Revised: 5 February 2014 / Accepted: 13 February 2014 / Published: 19 February 2014

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Abstract

In the present review article immune responses induced by carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are addressed. As inhalation is considered to be the primary entry route, and concern has been raised by similar high aspect ratio materials, the main focus lies on immune responses upon

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In the present review article immune responses induced by carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are addressed. As inhalation is considered to be the primary entry route, and concern has been raised by similar high aspect ratio materials, the main focus lies on immune responses upon pulmonary exposure. Inflammation-related findings from both in vivo studies and in vitro models are reviewed, and the major responsible characteristics, which may drive CNT-induced inflammation in the lung, are discussed. In a second part, responses upon intentional administration of CNTs via subcutaneous and intravenous application are addressed, including their potential benefits and drawbacks for immunotherapy. Finally, the gastrointestinal tract as an alternative exposure route is briefly discussed. While there are many studies identifying numerous other factors involved in CNT-driven toxicity, e.g., cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and genotoxicity, the focus of this review was kept solely on CNT-induced inflammation. Overall the literature has shown that CNTs are able to induce inflammation, which in some cases was a particularly robust response coinciding with the development of pro-fibrotic conditions. In the majority of cases the greatest inflammatory responses were associated with CNTs of considerable length and a high aspect ratio, accompanied by other factors like dispersion and sample purity. Full article

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Other

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Open AccessOpinion Elucidating the Potential Biological Impact of Cellulose Nanocrystals

by Sandra Camarero-Espinosa, Carola Endes, Silvana Mueller, Alke Petri-Fink, Barbara Rothen-Rutishauser, Christoph Weder, Martin James David Clift and E. Johan Foster

Fibers 2016, 4(3), 21; doi:10.3390/fib4030021

Received: 3 May 2016 / Accepted: 20 June 2016 / Published: 8 July 2016

Cited by 5 | PDF Full-text (608 KB) | HTML Full-text | XML Full-text

Abstract

Cellulose nanocrystals exhibit an interesting combination of mechanical properties and physical characteristics, which make them potentially useful for a wide range of consumer applications. However, as the usage of these bio-based nanofibers increases, a greater understanding of human exposure addressing their potential health

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Cellulose nanocrystals exhibit an interesting combination of mechanical properties and physical characteristics, which make them potentially useful for a wide range of consumer applications. However, as the usage of these bio-based nanofibers increases, a greater understanding of human exposure addressing their potential health issues should be gained. The aim of this perspective is to highlight how knowledge obtained from studying the biological impact of other nanomaterials can provide a basis for future research strategies to deduce the possible human health risks posed by cellulose nanocrystals. Full article

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Editorial

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Guest Editor Prof. Dr. Alke Fink Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Rte de l'Ancienne Papeterie, PO Box 209, 1723 Marly 1, Switzerland Website \| E-Mail Fax: +41 26 300 96 24 Interests: nanoparticles; synthesis; surface; colloidal properties; particle-cell interactions; magnetic materials
Guest Editor Prof. Dr. Barbara Rothen-Rutishauser Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Rte de l'Ancienne Papeterie, PO Box 209, 1723 Marly 1, Switzerland Website \| E-Mail Fax: +41 26 300 96 24
Guest Editor Dr. Martin J. D. Clift Institute of Life Sciences, College of Medicine, Singleton Park Campus, Swansea University, Swansea, SA2 8PP, Wales, United Kingdom Website \| E-Mail Fax: +41 26 300 96 24 Interests: nanotoxicology; genotoxicology; immunology; inflammation; cancer; cell signalling; in vitro analysis; cellular entry mechanisms; protein-nanoparticle interactions; nanoparticle-cell interactions; nanofibres; nanoparticles