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25 pages, 2932 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pitch/Metal Oxide Composite Fibers via Electrospinning for Environmental Applications

by Bayan Kaidar, Gaukhar Smagulova, Aigerim Imash, Aruzhan Keneshbekova, Akram Ilyanov and Zulkhair Mansurov

Technologies 2023, 11(6), 156; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies11060156 - 07 Nov 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1737

Abstract

This study investigates the synthesis and application of composite electrospun fibers incorporating coal tar pitch (CTP) and various nanomaterial additives, with a specific focus on their potential for eco-bio-applications. The research underscores the environmentally viable aspects of CTP following a thermal treatment process [...] Read more.

This study investigates the synthesis and application of composite electrospun fibers incorporating coal tar pitch (CTP) and various nanomaterial additives, with a specific focus on their potential for eco-bio-applications. The research underscores the environmentally viable aspects of CTP following a thermal treatment process that eliminates volatile components and sulfur, rendering it amenable for fiber electrospinning and subsequent carbonization. Composite fibers were fabricated by integrating CTP with nanomaterials, including nickel oxide (NiO), titanium dioxide (TiO₂), activated carbon (AC), and magnetite (Fe₃O₄). The C/NiO composite fibers exhibit notable acetone sensing capabilities, specifically displaying a rapid response time of 40.6 s to 100 ppm acetone at 220 °C. The C/TiO₂ composite fibers exhibit a distinct “beads-on-a-string” structure and demonstrate a high efficiency of 96.13% in methylene blue decomposition, highlighting their potential for environmental remediation applications. Additionally, the C/AC composite fibers demonstrate effective adsorption properties, efficiently removing manganese (II) ions from aqueous solutions with an 88.62% efficiency, thereby suggesting their utility in water purification applications. This research employs an interdisciplinary approach by combining diverse methods, approaches, and materials, including the utilization of agricultural waste materials such as rice husks, to create composite materials with multifaceted applications. Beyond the immediate utility of the composite fibers, this study emphasizes the significance of deploying environmentally responsible materials and technologies to address pressing eco-bio-challenges. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrospinning Technologies for Biomedical and Biotechnological Applications—Volume II)

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15 pages, 6974 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Approaches to Obtaining Water-Insoluble Fibrous Matrices from Regenerated Fibroin

by Nataliya Kildeeva, Nikita Sazhnev, Maria Drozdova, Vasilina Zakharova, Evgeniya Svidchenko, Nikolay Surin and Elena Markvicheva

Technologies 2023, 11(5), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies11050146 - 19 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1601

Abstract

Silk fibroin (SF) holds promise for the preparation of matrices for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine or for the development of drug delivery systems. Regenerated fibroin from Bombyx mori cocoons is water-soluble and can be processed into scaffolds of various forms, such as [...] Read more.

Silk fibroin (SF) holds promise for the preparation of matrices for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine or for the development of drug delivery systems. Regenerated fibroin from Bombyx mori cocoons is water-soluble and can be processed into scaffolds of various forms, such as fibrous matrices, using the electrospinning method. In the current study, we studied the correlation between concentrations of fibroin aqueous solutions and their properties, in order to obtain electrospun mats for tissue engineering. Two methods were used to prevent solubility in fibroin-based matrices: The conversion of fibroin to the β-conformation via treatment with an ethanol solution and chemical cross-linking with genipin (Gp). The interaction of Gp with SF led to the appearance of a characteristic blue color but did not lead to the gelation of solutions. To speed up the cross-linking reaction with Gp, we propose using chitosan-containing systems and modifying fibrous materials via treatment with a solution of Gp in 80% ethanol. It was shown that the composition of fibroin with chitosan contributes to an improved water resistance, reduces defective material, and leads to a decrease in the diameter of the fibers. The electrospun fiber matrices based on regenerated fibroin modified by cross-linking with genipin in water–alcohol solutions were shown to promote cell adhesion, spreading, and growth and, therefore, could hold promise for tissue engineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrospinning Technologies for Biomedical and Biotechnological Applications—Volume II)

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18 pages, 6018 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation and Characterization of Thermoresponsive Polymer Scaffolds Based on Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N-tert-butylacrylamide) for Cell Culture

by Gilyana K. Kazakova, Victoria S. Presniakova, Yuri M. Efremov, Svetlana L. Kotova, Anastasia A. Frolova, Sergei V. Kostjuk, Yury A. Rochev and Peter S. Timashev

Technologies 2023, 11(5), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies11050145 - 18 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1700

Abstract

In the realm of scaffold-free cell therapies, there is a questto develop organotypic three-dimensional (3D) tissue surrogates in vitro, capitalizing on the inherent ability of cells to create tissues with an efficiency and sophistication that still remains unmatched by human-made devices. In this [...] Read more.

In the realm of scaffold-free cell therapies, there is a questto develop organotypic three-dimensional (3D) tissue surrogates in vitro, capitalizing on the inherent ability of cells to create tissues with an efficiency and sophistication that still remains unmatched by human-made devices. In this study, we explored the properties of scaffolds obtained by the electrospinning of a thermosensitive copolymer, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-N-tert-butylacrylamide) (P(NIPAM-co-NtBA)), intended for use in such therapies. Two copolymers with molecular weights of 123 and 137 kDa and a content of N-tert-butylacrylamide of ca. 15 mol% were utilized to generate 3D scaffolds via electrospinning. We examined the morphology, solution viscosity, porosity, and thickness of the spun matrices as well as the mechanical properties and hydrophobic–hydrophilic characteristics of the scaffolds. Particular attention was paid to studying the influence of the thermosensitive polymer’s molecular weight and dispersity on the resultant scaffolds’ properties and the role of electroforming parameters on the morphology and mechanical characteristics of the scaffolds. The cytotoxicity of the copolymers and interaction of cells with the scaffolds were also studied. Our findings provide significant insight into approaches to optimizing scaffolds for specific cell cultures, thereby offering new opportunities for scaffold-free cell therapies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrospinning Technologies for Biomedical and Biotechnological Applications—Volume II)

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22 pages, 8407 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of PLGA Concentration in Electrospinning Solution on Biocompatibility, Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Nonwoven Scaffolds

by Arsalan D. Badaraev, Tuan-Hoang Tran, Anastasia G. Drozd, Evgenii V. Plotnikov, Gleb E. Dubinenko, Anna I. Kozelskaya, Sven Rutkowski and Sergei I. Tverdokhlebov

Technologies 2023, 11(5), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies11050137 - 05 Oct 2023

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Abstract

In this work, the effects of weight concentration on the properties of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) polymeric scaffolds prepared by electrospinning are investigated, using four different weight concentrations of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) for the electrospinning solutions (2, 3, 4, 5 wt.%). With increasing concentration of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) in the [...] Read more.

In this work, the effects of weight concentration on the properties of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) polymeric scaffolds prepared by electrospinning are investigated, using four different weight concentrations of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) for the electrospinning solutions (2, 3, 4, 5 wt.%). With increasing concentration of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) in the electrospinning solutions, their viscosity increases significantly. The average fiber diameter of the scaffolds also increases with increasing concentration. Moreover, the tensile strength and maximum elongation at break of the scaffold increase with increasing electrospinning concentration. The prepared scaffolds have hydrophobic properties and their wetting angle does not change with the concentration of the electrospinning solution. All poly(lactide-co-glycolide) scaffolds are non-toxic toward fibroblasts of the cell line 3T3-L1, with the highest numbers of cells observed on the surface of scaffolds prepared from the 2-, 3- and 4-wt.% electrospinning solutions. The results of the analysis of mechanical and biological properties indicate that the poly(lactide-co-glycolide) scaffolds prepared from the 4 wt.% electrospinning solution have optimal properties for future applications in skin tissue engineering. This is due to the fact that the poly(lactide-co-glycolide) scaffolds prepared from the 2 wt.% and 3 wt.% electrospinning solution exhibit low mechanical properties, and 5 wt.% have the lowest porosity values, which might be the cause of their lowest biological properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrospinning Technologies for Biomedical and Biotechnological Applications—Volume II)

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16 pages, 3430 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Technological Factors and Polar Molecules on the Structure of Fibrillar Matrices Based on Ultrafine Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate Fibers Obtained via Electrospinning

by Anatoly A. Olkhov, Polina M. Tyubaeva, Yulia N. Zernova, Valery S. Markin, Regina Kosenko, Anna G. Filatova, Kristina G. Gasparyan and Alexey L. Iordanskii

Technologies 2023, 11(5), 118; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies11050118 - 06 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1250

Abstract

The article examines the regularities of structure formation of ultrafine fibers based on poly-3-hydroxybutyrat under the influence of technological (electrical conductivity, viscosity), molecular (molecular weight), and external factors (low-molecular and nanodispersed substances of different chemical natures). Systems with polar substances are characterized by [...] Read more.

The article examines the regularities of structure formation of ultrafine fibers based on poly-3-hydroxybutyrat under the influence of technological (electrical conductivity, viscosity), molecular (molecular weight), and external factors (low-molecular and nanodispersed substances of different chemical natures). Systems with polar substances are characterized by the presence of intermolecular interactions and the formation of a more perfect crystalline fiber structure. Changes in technological and molecular characteristics affect the fiber formation process, resulting in alterations in the morphology of the nonwoven fabric, fiber geometry, and supramolecular fiber structure. Polymer molecular weight, electrical conductivity, and solution viscosity influence fiber formation and fiber diameter. The fiber structure is heterogeneous, consisting of both crystalline and non-equilibrium amorphous phases. This article shows that with an increase in the molecular weight and concentration of the polymer, the diameter of the fiber increases. At the same time, the increase in the productivity of the electrospinning process does not affect the fiber geometry. The chemical structure of the solvent and the concentration of polar substances play a decisive role in the formation of fibers of even geometry. As the polarity of the solvent increases, the intermolecular interaction with the polar groups of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate increases. As a result of this interaction, the crystallites are improved, and the amorphous phase of the polymer is compacted. The action of polar molecules on the polymer is similar to the action of polar nanoparticles. They increase crystallinity via a nucleation mechanism. This is significant in the development of matrix-fibrillar systems for drug delivery, bioactive substances, antiseptics, tissue engineering constructs, tissue engineering scaffolds, artificial biodegradable implants, sorbents, and other applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrospinning Technologies for Biomedical and Biotechnological Applications—Volume II)

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23 pages, 10373 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biodegradable Polyhydroxyalkanoates Formed by 3- and 4-Hydroxybutyrate Monomers to Produce Nanomembranes Suitable for Drug Delivery and Cell Culture

by Tatiana G. Volova, Aleksey V. Demidenko, Anastasiya V. Murueva, Alexey E. Dudaev, Ivan Nemtsev and Ekaterina I. Shishatskaya

Technologies 2023, 11(4), 106; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies11040106 - 07 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1717

Abstract

Biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates, biopolymers of microbiological origin, formed by 3- and 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers P(3HB-co-4HB), were used to obtain nanomembranes loaded with drugs as cell carriers by electrospinning. Resorbable non-woven membranes from P(3HB-co-4HB) loaded with ceftazidime, doripinem, and actovegin have been obtained. The loading of [...] Read more.

Biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates, biopolymers of microbiological origin, formed by 3- and 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers P(3HB-co-4HB), were used to obtain nanomembranes loaded with drugs as cell carriers by electrospinning. Resorbable non-woven membranes from P(3HB-co-4HB) loaded with ceftazidime, doripinem, and actovegin have been obtained. The loading of membranes with drugs differently affected the size of fibers and the structure of membranes, and in all cases increased the hydrophilicity of the surface. The release of drugs in vitro was gradual, which corresponded to the Higuchi and Korsmeyer-Peppas models. Antibiotic-loaded membranes showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus and E. coli, in which growth inhibition zones were 41.7 ± 1.1 and 38.6 ± 1.7 mm for ceftazidime and doripinem, respectively. The study of the biological activity of membranes in the NIH 3T3 mouse fibroblast culture based on the results of DAPI and FITC staining of cells, as well as the MTT test, did not reveal a negative effect despite the presence of antibiotics in them. Samples containing actovegin exhibit a stimulating effect on fibroblasts. Biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates formed by 3-hydroxybutyrate and 4-hydroxybutyrate monomers provide electrospinning non-woven membranes suitable for long-term delivery of drugs and cultivation of eukaryotic cells, and are promising for the treatment of wound defects complicated by infection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrospinning Technologies for Biomedical and Biotechnological Applications—Volume II)

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18 pages, 7297 KiB

Open AccessArticle

PHB/PEG Nanofiber Mat Obtained by Electrospinning and Their Performances

by Nguyen Hong Thanh, Roman Olekhnovich, Vera Sitnikova, Arina Kremleva, Petr Snetkov and Mayya Uspenskaya

Technologies 2023, 11(2), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies11020048 - 24 Mar 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2405

Abstract

In this work, a nanofiber mat based on PHB/PEG with various PEG contents was obtained by electrospinning process. The thermal and mechanical properties of the PHB/PEG nanofiber mat were investigated. In addition, PHB/PEG nanofiber mats were characterized by Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), [...] Read more.

In this work, a nanofiber mat based on PHB/PEG with various PEG contents was obtained by electrospinning process. The thermal and mechanical properties of the PHB/PEG nanofiber mat were investigated. In addition, PHB/PEG nanofiber mats were characterized by Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, and water contact angle measurement. It was shown that, by increasing the PEG contents from 1 to 4%, the average diameter of PHB nanofibers decreased from 1177 nm to 1101 nm, corresponding to 2% PEG, then the diameter of the fiber increased again from 1101 nm to 1136 nm, corresponding to 4% PEG. Tensile strength increased from 3.6 MPa to 4.4 MPa, then decreased from 4.4 MPa to 2.9 MPa. Thermogravimetric analysis showed a difference in the process of thermal degradation of nanofiber mats. The degree of crystallinity measured by XRD and DSC methods gives different values at some points. The results demonstrated that adding PEG improved the mechanical properties, hydrophobicity, porosity, and thermal stability of the PHB fiber mat, which showed that the PHB/PEG nanofiber mat has great potential for air filtration or water filtration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrospinning Technologies for Biomedical and Biotechnological Applications—Volume II)

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Review

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28 pages, 2632 KiB

Open AccessReview

Green Electrospun Nanofibers for Biomedicine and Biotechnology

by Elyor Berdimurodov, Omar Dagdag, Khasan Berdimuradov, Wan Mohd Norsani Wan Nik, Ilyos Eliboev, Mansur Ashirov, Sherzod Niyozkulov, Muslum Demir, Chinmurot Yodgorov and Nizomiddin Aliev

Technologies 2023, 11(5), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/technologies11050150 - 23 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2281

Abstract

Green electrospinning harnesses the potential of renewable biomaterials to craft biodegradable nanofiber structures, expanding their utility across a spectrum of applications. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the production, characterization and application of electrospun cellulose, collagen, gelatin and other biopolymer nanofibers in tissue [...] Read more.

Green electrospinning harnesses the potential of renewable biomaterials to craft biodegradable nanofiber structures, expanding their utility across a spectrum of applications. In this comprehensive review, we summarize the production, characterization and application of electrospun cellulose, collagen, gelatin and other biopolymer nanofibers in tissue engineering, drug delivery, biosensing, environmental remediation, agriculture and synthetic biology. These applications span diverse fields, including tissue engineering, drug delivery, biosensing, environmental remediation, agriculture, and synthetic biology. In the realm of tissue engineering, nanofibers emerge as key players, adept at mimicking the intricacies of the extracellular matrix. These fibers serve as scaffolds and vascular grafts, showcasing their potential to regenerate and repair tissues. Moreover, they facilitate controlled drug and gene delivery, ensuring sustained therapeutic levels essential for optimized wound healing and cancer treatment. Biosensing platforms, another prominent arena, leverage nanofibers by immobilizing enzymes and antibodies onto their surfaces. This enables precise glucose monitoring, pathogen detection, and immunodiagnostics. In the environmental sector, these fibers prove invaluable, purifying water through efficient adsorption and filtration, while also serving as potent air filtration agents against pollutants and pathogens. Agricultural applications see the deployment of nanofibers in controlled release fertilizers and pesticides, enhancing crop management, and extending antimicrobial food packaging coatings to prolong shelf life. In the realm of synthetic biology, these fibers play a pivotal role by encapsulating cells and facilitating bacteria-mediated prodrug activation strategies. Across this multifaceted landscape, nanofibers offer tunable topographies and surface functionalities that tightly regulate cellular behavior and molecular interactions. Importantly, their biodegradable nature aligns with sustainability goals, positioning them as promising alternatives to synthetic polymer-based technologies. As research and development continue to refine and expand the capabilities of green electrospun nanofibers, their versatility promises to advance numerous applications in the realms of biomedicine and biotechnology, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrospinning Technologies for Biomedical and Biotechnological Applications—Volume II)

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