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Polymers
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Electrospinning of Biodegradable Nanofibers
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Electrospinning of Biodegradable Nanofibers

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymer Processing and Engineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 September 2021) | Viewed by 25919

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Zeynep Aytac

E-Mail Website1 Website2 Website3
Guest Editor
Institute of Materials Science & Nanotechnology, UNAM-National Nanotechnology Research Center, Bilkent University, 06800 Ankara, Turkey
Interests: electrospinning; melt electrospinning writing; 3D printing; cyclodextrin; inclusion complex; nanomaterials; nanotechnology; characterization; drug delivery; food packaging
Dr. Tao Xu

E-Mail Website1 Website2
Co-Guest Editor
Center for Nanotechnology and Nanotoxicology, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
Interests: electrospinning; electrospray; nanofibers; nanospheres; 3D polymeric structures; biopolymers; biomaterials; tissue engineering; agrichemical delivery

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Synthetic polymers are widely used owing to their low cost, ease of production, and high mechanical properties. However, most petroleum-based synthetic polymers (e.g., thermoplastic) are known to cause severe health and environmental concerns because of their non-biodegradable and toxic nature. Therefore, increasing attention has been given to the use of biodegradable polymers in several research areas, such as healthcare, environment, energy, and electronics. Since tunable surface functionality and structure (e.g., porosity) are of utmost importance for advanced materials, polymeric fibers with highly tunable surface-to-volume ratio and porosity are ideal candidates for various applications. However, achieving fibers with different types of biodegradable polymers, especially natural polymers, and precise diameter control are the main challenges for most fiber manufacturing techniques. Among these techniques, electrospinning is widely used as a versatile, cost-effective, and scalable platform to fabricate fibers at the nanoscale range using various types of polymers, including natural and synthetic biodegradable polymers. Moreover, the capability of using electrospinning to produce nanofibers with complex geometry and architecture (i.e., aligned and core–shell nanofibers) further expands the application areas. In brief, electrospun nanofibers made of biodegradable polymers are outstanding and promising materials for a variety of applications thanks to the combination of unique properties of electrospun nanofibers and non-toxic and ecofriendly nature of biodegradable polymers.

We would like to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue of Polymers on recent research advances and efforts on electrospinning of biodegradable nanofibers. Topics covered by this Special Issue include but are not limited to the production of electrospun biodegradable nanofibers, including complex structures, modification and functionalization of electrospun biodegradable nanofibers, enhancement of the properties of electrospun biodegradable nanofibers, and various emerging application areas such as biomedical (e.g., tissue engineering, drug delivery system, wound dressing), food packaging and agriculture (e.g., antimicrobial and antioxidant food packaging, agrichemical delivery), biotechnology (e.g., protein separation, enzyme immobilization), environmental (e.g., water purification, air filtration), energy (e.g., battery, supercapacitor, solar cells, fuel cells), and electronic (e.g., wearable sensor, nanogenerator).

Dr. Zeynep Aytac
Dr. Tao Xu
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Electrospinning
  • Nanofibers
  • Electrospun nanofibers
  • Biodegradable polymers
  • Natural polymers
  • Synthetic biodegradable polymers
  • Sustainability

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 2021 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Electric Field Dynamics on the Quality of Large-Area Nanofibrous Layers
by Marek Pokorný, Jan Klemeš, Adéla Kotzianová, Martin Fogl, Anna Zítková, Simon Jantač, Kateřina Knotková, Juraj Košek and Vladimír Velebný
Polymers 2021, 13(12), 1968; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13121968 - 14 Jun 2021
Viewed by 1912
Abstract
This paper presents technological modifications of an electrostatic spinning device, which significantly increase the thickness homogeneity (i.e., quality) of produced layers by creating auxiliary dynamic electric fields in the vicinity of the spinning and collector electrodes. A moving body was installed above the [...] Read more.
This paper presents technological modifications of an electrostatic spinning device, which significantly increase the thickness homogeneity (i.e., quality) of produced layers by creating auxiliary dynamic electric fields in the vicinity of the spinning and collector electrodes. A moving body was installed above the needleless spinning electrode, which destabilized the standing wave occurring on the free surface of the spinning solution. Furthermore, an endless belt design was used for the collector electrode instead of a roll-to-roll design, which made it possible to substantially increase the surface speed of the substrate and, therefore, the dynamics of the electric field at the place of collection of the fibers being spun. As a result, the coefficient of variation of the area weight of 912 samples cut out from the deposited nanofibrous layer, which was (1000 × 500) mm2 in size and had an average area weight of (17.2 ± 0.8) g/m2, was less than 4.5%. These results were obtained only when the dynamics of both the spinning and collector electrodes were increased at the same time. These modifications resulted in a significant increase in the quality of deposited nanofibrous layers up to the standard required for their use in pharmaceutical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrospinning of Biodegradable Nanofibers)
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18 pages, 4409 KiB  
Article
Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrospinning of a Functionalizable, Polycaprolactone-Based Polyurethane for Soft Tissue Engineering
by Jin-Jia Hu, Chia-Chi Liu, Chih-Hsun Lin and Ho-Yi Tuan-Mu
Polymers 2021, 13(9), 1527; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13091527 - 10 May 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3610
Abstract
We synthesized a biodegradable, elastomeric, and functionalizable polyurethane (PU) that can be electrospun for use as a scaffold in soft tissue engineering. The PU was synthesized from polycaprolactone diol, hexamethylene diisocyanate, and dimethylolpropionic acid (DMPA) chain extender using two-step polymerization and designated as [...] Read more.
We synthesized a biodegradable, elastomeric, and functionalizable polyurethane (PU) that can be electrospun for use as a scaffold in soft tissue engineering. The PU was synthesized from polycaprolactone diol, hexamethylene diisocyanate, and dimethylolpropionic acid (DMPA) chain extender using two-step polymerization and designated as PU-DMPA. A control PU using 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BDO) as a chain extender was synthesized similarly and designated as PU-BDO. The chemical structure of the two PUs was verified by FT-IR and 1H-NMR. The PU-DMPA had a lower molecular weight than the PU-BDO (~16,700 Da vs. ~78,600 Da). The melting enthalpy of the PU-DMPA was greater than that of the PU-BDO. Both the PUs exhibited elastomeric behaviors with a comparable elongation at break (λ=L/L0= 13.2). The PU-DMPA had a higher initial modulus (19.8 MPa vs. 8.7 MPa) and a lower linear modulus (0.7 MPa vs. 1.2 MPa) and ultimate strength (9.5 MPa vs. 13.8 MPa) than the PU-BDO. The PU-DMPA had better hydrophilicity than the PU-BDO. Both the PUs displayed no cytotoxicity, although the adhesion of human umbilical artery smooth muscle cells on the PU-DMPA surface was better. Bead free electrospun PU-DMPA membranes with a narrow fiber diameter distribution were successfully fabricated. As a demonstration of its functionalizability, gelatin was conjugated to the electrospun PU-DMPA membrane using carbodiimide chemistry. Moreover, hyaluronic acid was immobilized on the amino-functionalized PU-DMPA. In conclusion, the PU-DMPA has the potential to be used as a scaffold material for soft tissue engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrospinning of Biodegradable Nanofibers)
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20 pages, 2531 KiB  
Article
Electrospun Biomaterials from Chitosan Blends Applied as Scaffold for Tissue Regeneration
by Christian Enrique Garcia Garcia, Frédéric Bossard and Marguerite Rinaudo
Polymers 2021, 13(7), 1037; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13071037 - 26 Mar 2021
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2851
Abstract
Our objective in this work was to summarize the main results obtained in processing pure chitosan and chitosan/hyaluronan complex in view of biomedical applications, taking advantage of their original properties. In addition, an electrospinning technique was selected to prepare nanofiber mats well adapted [...] Read more.
Our objective in this work was to summarize the main results obtained in processing pure chitosan and chitosan/hyaluronan complex in view of biomedical applications, taking advantage of their original properties. In addition, an electrospinning technique was selected to prepare nanofiber mats well adapted for tissue engineering in relation to the large porosity of the materials, allowing an exchange with the environment. The optimum conditions for preparation of purified and stable nanofibers in aqueous solution and phosphate buffer pH = 7.4 are described. Their mechanical properties and degree of swelling are given. Then, the prepared biomaterials are investigated to test their advantage for chondrocyte development after comparison of nanofiber mats and uniform films. For that purpose, the adhesion of cells is studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM) using single-cell force spectroscopy, showing the good adhesion of chondrocytes on chitosan. At the end, adhesion and proliferation of chondrocytes in vitro are examined and clearly show the interest of chitosan nanofiber mats compared to chitosan film for potential application in tissue engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrospinning of Biodegradable Nanofibers)
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16 pages, 3727 KiB  
Article
Fabrication and Characterization of Electrospun Poly(acrylonitrile-co-Methyl Acrylate)/Lignin Nanofibers: Effects of Lignin Type and Total Polymer Concentration
by Suchitha Devadas, Saja M. Nabat Al-Ajrash, Donald A. Klosterman, Kenya M. Crosson, Garry S. Crosson and Erick S. Vasquez
Polymers 2021, 13(7), 992; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13070992 - 24 Mar 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3175
Abstract
Lignin macromolecules are potential precursor materials for producing electrospun nanofibers for composite applications. However, little is known about the effect of lignin type and blend ratios with synthetic polymers. This study analyzed blends of poly(acrylonitrile-co-methyl acrylate) (PAN-MA) with two types of [...] Read more.
Lignin macromolecules are potential precursor materials for producing electrospun nanofibers for composite applications. However, little is known about the effect of lignin type and blend ratios with synthetic polymers. This study analyzed blends of poly(acrylonitrile-co-methyl acrylate) (PAN-MA) with two types of commercially available lignin, low sulfonate (LSL) and alkali, kraft lignin (AL), in DMF solvent. The electrospinning and polymer blend solution conditions were optimized to produce thermally stable, smooth lignin-based nanofibers with total polymer content of up to 20 wt % in solution and a 50/50 blend weight ratio. Microscopy studies revealed that AL blends possess good solubility, miscibility, and dispersibility compared to LSL blends. Despite the lignin content or type, rheological studies demonstrated that PAN-MA concentration in solution dictated the blend’s viscosity. Smooth electrospun nanofibers were fabricated using AL depending upon the total polymer content and blend ratio. AL’s addition to PAN-MA did not affect the glass transition or degradation temperatures of the nanofibers compared to neat PAN-MA. We confirmed the presence of each lignin type within PAN-MA nanofibers through infrared spectroscopy. PAN-MA/AL nanofibers possessed similar morphological and thermal properties as PAN-MA; thus, these lignin-based nanofibers can replace PAN in future applications, including production of carbon fibers and supercapacitors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrospinning of Biodegradable Nanofibers)
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10 pages, 2077 KiB  
Communication
Simultaneous Electrospinning and Electrospraying for the Preparation of a Precursor Membrane Containing Hydrothermally Generated Biochar Particles to Produce the Value-Added Product of Carbon Nanofibrous Felt
by Xianfu Li, Tao Xu, Zhipeng Liang, Vinod S. Amar, Runzhou Huang, Bharath K. Maddipudi, Rajesh V. Shende and Hao Fong
Polymers 2021, 13(5), 676; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13050676 - 24 Feb 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3475
Abstract
Biochar is a byproduct generated from the hydrothermal liquefaction of biomass, such as corn stover, in an anaerobic environment. This work aims to convert biochar into a value-added product of carbon nanofibrous felt. First, the biochar-containing precursor membrane was prepared from simultaneous electrospinning [...] Read more.
Biochar is a byproduct generated from the hydrothermal liquefaction of biomass, such as corn stover, in an anaerobic environment. This work aims to convert biochar into a value-added product of carbon nanofibrous felt. First, the biochar-containing precursor membrane was prepared from simultaneous electrospinning and electrospraying. After thermal stabilization in air and carbonization in argon, the obtained precursor membrane was converted into a mechanically flexible and robust carbon nanofibrous felt. Electrochemical results revealed that the biochar-derived carbon nanofibrous felt might be a good candidate as a supercapacitor electrode with a good rate capability and high kinetic performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrospinning of Biodegradable Nanofibers)
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13 pages, 3561 KiB  
Article
Modification of Electrospun Regenerate Cellulose Nanofiber Membrane via Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP) Approach as Advanced Carrier for Laccase Immobilization
by Shuo Zeng, Jinwei Shi, Anchao Feng and Zhao Wang
Polymers 2021, 13(2), 182; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13020182 - 6 Jan 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2669
Abstract
This study aimed to modify an electrospun regenerated cellulose (RC) nanofiber membrane by surface grafting 2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) as a monomer via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), as well as investigate the effects of ATRP conditions (i.e., initiation and polymerization) on enzyme [...] Read more.
This study aimed to modify an electrospun regenerated cellulose (RC) nanofiber membrane by surface grafting 2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) as a monomer via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP), as well as investigate the effects of ATRP conditions (i.e., initiation and polymerization) on enzyme immobilization. Various characterizations including XPS, FTIR spectra, and SEM images of nanofiber membranes before and after monomer grafting verified that poly (DMAEMA) chains/brushes were successfully grafted onto the RC nanofiber membrane. The effect of different ATRP conditions on laccase immobilization was investigated, and the results indicated that the optimal initiation and monomer grafting times were 1 and 2 h, respectively. The highest immobilization amount was obtained from the RC-Br-1h-poly (DMAEMA)-2h membrane (95.04 ± 4.35 mg), which increased by approximately 3.3 times compared to the initial RC membrane (28.57 ± 3.95 mg). All the results suggested that the optimization of initiation and polymerization conditions is a key factor that affects the enzyme immobilization amount, and the surface modification of the RC membrane by ATRP is a promising approach to develop an advanced enzyme carrier with a high enzyme loading capacity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrospinning of Biodegradable Nanofibers)
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Review

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28 pages, 1340 KiB  
Review
Encapsulation of Natural Bioactive Compounds by Electrospinning—Applications in Food Storage and Safety
by Bogdănel Silvestru Munteanu and Cornelia Vasile
Polymers 2021, 13(21), 3771; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13213771 - 31 Oct 2021
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 6212
Abstract
Packaging is used to protect foods from environmental influences and microbial contamination to maintain the quality and safety of commercial food products, to avoid their spoilage and to extend their shelf life. In this respect, bioactive packaging is developing to additionally provides antibacterial [...] Read more.
Packaging is used to protect foods from environmental influences and microbial contamination to maintain the quality and safety of commercial food products, to avoid their spoilage and to extend their shelf life. In this respect, bioactive packaging is developing to additionally provides antibacterial and antioxidant activity with the same goals i.e., extending the shelf life while ensuring safety of the food products. New solutions are designed using natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agents such as essential oils, some polysaccharides, natural inorganic nanoparticles (nanoclays, oxides, metals as silver) incorporated/encapsulated into appropriate carriers in order to be used in food packaging. Electrospinning/electrospraying are receiving attention as encapsulation methods due to their cost-effectiveness, versatility and scalability. The electrospun nanofibers and electro–sprayed nanoparticles can preserve the functionality and protect the encapsulated bioactive compounds (BC). In this review are summarized recent results regarding applications of nanostructured suitable materials containing essential oils for food safety. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrospinning of Biodegradable Nanofibers)
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