Search Results (129)

Hydrogel/electrospun polymer nanofiber composites (HENC) integrate the advantages of both components. Hydrogels provide high water content, biocompatibility, and tunable drug release, while electrospun nanofibers offer a high surface area, loading capacity, customizable morphology, and opportunities for functionalization. Nanofibers can also be incorporated into hydrogels as 3D-printable inks. Together, these features create biomimetic composites that modulate drug release and mimic native tissues. This article reviews electrospinning fundamentals, limitations, preparation methods for HENC, and their applications in drug delivery, as well as future perspectives for developing advanced functional materials with improved therapeutic efficacy, controlled release kinetics, and broad biomedical adaptability. Full article

Hernia repair is among the most frequent procedures in general surgery, traditionally performed with synthetic meshes such as polypropylene. While effective in reducing recurrence, these materials are biologically inert and often trigger chronic inflammation, fibrosis, pain, and impaired abdominal wall function, with a significant impact on long-term quality of life. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, and relevant preclinical, clinical, and review articles were synthesized within a narrative review framework. Recent advances in tissue engineering propose a shift from passive reinforcement to regenerative strategies based on biomimetic scaffolds, nanomaterials, and nanocomposites that replicate the extracellular matrix, enhance cell integration, and provide controlled drug delivery. Nanotechnology enables localized release of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and pro-angiogenic agents, while electrospun nanofibers and composite scaffolds improve strength and elasticity. In parallel, 3D printing allows for patient-specific implants with tailored architecture and regenerative potential. Although preclinical studies show encouraging results, clinical translation remains limited by cost, regulatory constraints, and long-term safety uncertainties. Overall, these innovations highlight a transition toward personalized and regenerative hernia repair, aiming to improve durability, function, and patient quality of life. Full article

Sodium alginate (SA) has the advantages of good biocompatibility, water absorption, oxygen permeability, non-toxicity, and film-forming properties. SA is compounded with other materials to formulate a spinning solution. Subsequently, electrospinning is employed to fabricate nanofiber membranes. These membranes undergo cross-linking modification or hydrogel composite functionalization, yielding nanofiber composites exhibiting essential properties, including biodegradability, biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and antimicrobial activity. Consequently, these functionalized composites are widely utilized in tissue engineering, regenerative engineering, biological scaffolds, and drug delivery systems, among other biomedical applications. This work reviews the sources, characteristics, and electrospinning preparation methods of SA, with a focus on the application and research status of SA composite nanofibers in tissue engineering scaffolds, wound dressings, drug delivery, and other fields. It can be concluded that SA electrospun nanofibers have great development potential and application prospects in biomedicine, which could better meet the increasingly complex and diverse needs of tissue or wound healing. At the same time, the future development trend of SA composite nanofibers was prospected in order to provide some theoretical reference for the development of biomedical textiles and to promote its development in the direction of being green, safe, and efficient. Full article

This study explores the valorization of Colocasia esculenta roots (flesh and peels) as a source of biopolymers by isolating and characterizing starch and cellulose nanofibers. Fresh roots were sourced from the Colombian Caribbean, and a bromatological analysis was conducted to determine their composition. Starch was extracted from the flesh (yield: 16.2 ± 0.5%) and characterized by a low amylose content (14.6 ± 0.9%) and a gelatinization temperature of 77.6 ± 0.3 °C. Granules showed spherical and polyhedral shapes and smooth, fissure-free surfaces. The median granule size (D50 = 12.2 ± 0.18 µm) exceeded several values reported for Colocasia esculenta from other regions. Cellulose nanofibers were isolated from peel byproducts (yield: 10.0 ± 1.4%), displaying dense fibrillar networks with diameters of 15–25 nm and lengths around 80 nm. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of characteristic functional groups in both materials. Thermogravimetric analysis showed thermal degradation peaks at 320 °C for starch and 330 °C for nanocellulose. These findings demonstrate that Colocasia esculenta, an underutilized crop in the Colombian Caribbean, represents a promising and sustainable raw material for the development of bio-based polymers with suitable physicochemical, structural, and thermal properties. Full article

Food is fundamental to human survival, health, culture, and well-being. In response to the increasing demand for sustainable food preservation, chitosan (CS)-based electrospun nanofibers have emerged as promising materials due to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and inherent antimicrobial properties. When combined with other biopolymers or bioactive compounds, CS-based nanofibers offer enhanced functionality for applications in food packaging, preservation, and additives. This review summarizes recent advances in the fabrication and performance of CS-polymer and CS-inorganic composite nanofibers, with a focus on their mechanical strength, thermal stability, barrier properties, and antimicrobial efficacy. The use of these nanofibers across a range of food categories—including vegetables, fruits, fresh-cut produce, dairy products, meat, seafood, and nuts—is examined. Beyond experimental approaches, the review also explores the growing role of computational simulations in predicting the mechanical strength, barrier performance, antimicrobial activity, and biodegradability of CS-based nanofibers. Key modeling techniques and simulation tools are summarized. Finally, current challenges and future research directions are discussed, underscoring the potential of CS-based electrospun nanofibers as sustainable and multifunctional solutions for modern food packaging. By integrating experimental advancements with computational insights, this review provides a comprehensive and forward-looking perspective on CS-based electrospun nanofibers for food packaging. Full article

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with high thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity are frequently considered as ideal nano-reinforced materials for the future. This paper investigated the potential application of MWCNTs in ordinary Portland cement–sulfoaluminate cement (OPC-SAC) repair mortar by analyzing mechanical and microstructural changes caused by MWCNTs. The test results revealed that MWCNTs greatly increased the strength of OPC-SAC binary repair mortar in the early days, and promoted sustained growth of long-term strength. The 10.39%/9.3 MPa increases in compressive strength can be attributed to 0.10 wt.% MWCNTs. MWCNTs promotes hydration of OPC-SAC composites through functional groups and nucleation effects, resulting in more C-S-H gels and AFt crystals. The X-ray computed tomography (X-CT), mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) results indicate that the nanofibers (MWCNTs) optimize the microstructure and microstructure of the composites. The nanofibers with high aspect ratio results enhance the crosslinking between hydration products, improve complexity (higher D_s) and integrity (more crosslinking sites), and reduce the formation and propagation of microcracks through bridging. The filling effect of nanoparticles refines the pore and reduces the pore volume, especially the volume of medium capillary pores. It is precisely these combined actions that improve the engineering performance of OPC-SAC binary repair mortar. Full article

This study aimed to develop and characterize biodegradable films based on potato starch reinforced with carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) nanofibers, with the goal of improving their mechanical and thermal properties for potential use in sustainable packaging. The films were prepared through the thermal gelatinization of starch extracted from tubers, combined with nanofibers obtained by electrospinning CMC synthesized from potato starch. Key electrospinning variables, including solution concentration, voltage, distance, and flow rate, were analyzed. The films were morphologically characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and chemically analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and their thermal properties were assessed by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The results indicated an increase in tensile strength to 14.1 MPa in the reinforced films, compared to 13.6 MPa for pure starch and 7.1 MPa for the fiber-free CMC blend. The nanofibers had an average diameter of 63.3 nm and a porosity of 32.78%. A reduction in crystallinity and more stable thermal behavior were also observed in the composite materials. These findings highlight the potential of using agricultural waste as a functional reinforcement in biopolymers, providing a viable and environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic polymers. Full article

Introduction: Functional endoscopic sinus surgery is commonly performed to treat paranasal sinus diseases, often necessitating nasal packing to control bleeding and aid healing. However, current materials can cause discomfort or lack adequate antibacterial properties. This study aimed to develop a biodegradable, biocompatible nasal packing material by combining polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and carbon dots (CDs), and to evaluate its antibacterial activity and tissue compatibility. Materials and Methods: Electrospun nanofiber membranes were fabricated using PVA and biomass-derived CDs. Antibacterial efficacy of nasal packing variants (PVA, PVA-chitosan [CS], PVA-CS-CDs-1 mL, and PVA-CS-CDs-2 mL) was assessed using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method against Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Staphylococcus aureus. The in vivo biocompatibility was evaluated via histological analysis following implantation into the nasal cavity of mice. Results: All materials demonstrated antibacterial activity, with PVA-CS-CDs-2 mL showing the largest inhibition zones. Histological examination revealed minimal epithelial damage and no inflammation, with PVA-CS-CDs-2 mL yielding the most favorable tissue response. Conclusion: The PVA-CS-CDs composite demonstrates potential as a biocompatible, antibacterial nasal packing material. Further studies are warranted to validate its long-term clinical utility. Full article

This review is different from previous studies focusing on polypyrrole (PPy) in universal fields such as sensors and supercapacitors. It is the first TO systematically review the specific applications of PPy-based electrospun nanofiber composites in the biomedical field, focusing on its biocompatibility regulation mechanism and tissue repair function. Although PPy exhibits exceptional electrical conductivity, redox activity, and biocompatibility, its clinical translation is hindered by processing challenges and poor degradability. These limitations can be significantly mitigated through composite strategies with degradable nanomaterials, enhancing both process compatibility and biofunctionality. Leveraging the morphological similarity between electrospun nanofibers and the natural extracellular matrix (ECM), this work comprehensively analyzes the topological characteristics of three composite fiber architectures—randomly distributed, aligned, and core–shell structures—and elucidates their application mechanisms in nerve regeneration, skin repair, bone mineralization, and myocardial tissue reconstruction (e.g., facilitating oriented cell migration and regulating differentiation through specific signaling pathway activation). The study further highlights critical challenges in the field, including PPy’s poor solubility, limited spinnability, insufficient mechanical strength, and scalability limitations. Future efforts should prioritize the development of multifunctional gradient composites, intelligent dynamic-responsive scaffolds, and standardized biosafety evaluation systems to accelerate the substantive translation of these materials into clinical applications. Full article

Nanocellulose obtained from renewable and abundant biomass has garnered significant attention as a sustainable material with exceptional properties and diverse applications. This review explores the key aspects of nanocellulose, focusing on its extraction methods, applications, and future prospects. The synthesis of nanocellulose involves mechanical, chemical, and biological techniques, each uniquely modifying the cellulose structure to isolate cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), or bacterial nanocellulose (BNC). These methods provide tailored characteristics, enabling applications across a wide range of industries. Nanocellulose’s remarkable properties, including high mechanical strength, large surface area, thermal stability, and biodegradability, have propelled its use in packaging, electronics, biomedicine, and environmental remediation. It has shown immense potential in enhancing the mechanical performance of composites, improving water purification systems, and serving as a scaffold for tissue engineering and drug delivery. However, challenges related to large-scale production, functionalization, regulatory frameworks, and safety concerns persist, necessitating further research and innovation. This review emphasizes the need for sustainable production strategies and advanced functionalization techniques to harness nanocellulose’s full potential. As an eco-friendly, high-performance material, nanocellulose presents a promising avenue for addressing global sustainability challenges while offering transformative solutions for various industries. Full article

Advancements in thermoregulating textiles have been propelled by innovations in nanotechnology, composite materials, and smart fiber engineering. This article reviews recent scholarly papers on experimental passive and active thermoregulating textiles to present the latest advancements in these fabrics, their mechanisms of thermoregulation, and their feasibility for use. The review underscores that phase-change materials enhanced with graphene, boron nitride, and carbon nanofibers offer superior thermal conductivity, phase stability, and flexibility, making them ideal for wearable applications. Shape-stabilized phase-change materials and aerogel-infused fibers have shown promising results in outdoor, industrial, and emergency settings due to their durability and high insulation efficiency. Radiative cooling textiles, engineered with hierarchical nanostructures and Janus wettability, demonstrate passive temperature regulation through selective solar reflection and infrared emission, achieving substantial cooling effects without external energy input. Thermo-responsive, shape-memory materials, and moisture-sensitive polymers enable dynamic insulation and actuation. Liquid-cooling garments and thermoelectric hybrids deliver precise temperature control but face challenges in portability and power consumption. While thermoregulating textiles show promise, the main challenges include achieving scalable manufacturing, ensuring material flexibility, and integrating multiple functions without sacrificing comfort. Future research should focus on hybrid systems combining passive and active mechanisms, user-centric wearability studies, and cost-effective fabrication methods. These innovations hold significant potential for applications in extreme environments, athletic wear, military uniforms, and smart clothing, contributing to energy efficiency, health, and comfort in a warming climate. Full article

Background/Objectives: Polymeric monoaxial nanofibers are gaining prominence due to their numerous applications, particularly in functional scenarios such as wound management. The study successfully developed and built a special-purpose vessel and device for fabricating polymeric nanofibers. Fabrication of composite scaffolds from piezoelectric poly(vinylidenefluoride-trifluoroethylene) copolymer (PVDF-TrFE) nanofibers encapsulated with myrrh extract was investigated. Methods: The gyrospun nanofibers were characterized using SEM, EDX, FTIR, XRD, and TGA to assess the properties of the composite materials. The study also investigated the release profile of myrrh extract from the nanofibers, demonstrating its potential for sustained drug delivery. The composite’s antimicrobial properties were evaluated using the disc diffusion method against various pathogenic microbes, showcasing their effectiveness. Results: It was found that an 18% (w/v) PVDF-TrFE concentration produces the best fiber mats compared to 20% and 25%, resulting in an average fiber diameter of 411 nm. Myrrh extract was added in varying amounts (10%, 15%, and 20%), with the best average fiber diameter identified at 10%, measuring 436 nm. The results indicated that the composite nanofibers were uniform, bead-free, and aligned without myrrh. The study observed a cumulative release of 79.66% myrrh over 72 h. The release profile showed an initial burst release of 46.85% within the first six hours, followed by a sustained release phase. Encapsulation efficiency was 89.8%, with a drug loading efficiency of 30%. Antibacterial activity peaked at 20% myrrh extract. S. mutans was the most sensitive pathogen to myrrh extract. Conclusions: Due to the piezoelectric effect of PVDF-TrFE and the significant antibacterial activity of myrrh, the prepared biohybrid nanofibers will open new avenues toward tissue engineering and wound healing applications. Full article

Nanofibers have emerged as transformative materials in the field of energy storage, offering unique physicochemical properties such as high surface area, porosity, and tunable morphology. Recent advancements have also introduced genetically modified fibers—engineered at the biological level to produce functionalized nanostructures with customizable properties. These bioengineered nanofibers add a sustainable and potentially self-healing component to energy storage materials. This paper reviews key applications of conventional and genetically modified nanofibers in lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, hybrid systems, and flexible energy storage with a focus on how genetic and molecular engineering of fibrous materials enables new capabilities in ion transport, electrode architecture, and device longevity. Together, these advances contribute to the development of next-generation energy storage systems with enhanced performance, biocompatibility, and sustainability. This review therefore critically examines the current state, advantages, and limitations of both synthetic and biopolymer-based materials in energy storage applications. It discusses recent technological innovations, such as polymer–nanoparticle composites, functionalized polymer matrices, and next-generation polymer electrolytes. Future research should prioritize enhancing conductivity, improving scalability, and reducing environmental impact, ensuring that polymer-based materials contribute to the development of more efficient and sustainable energy storage technologies. Full article

The article describes obtaining polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers by electrospinning on a setup developed at the Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia (MUCTR). A technique for producing PAN-based carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and PAN-based CNFs modified with titanium oxide (TiO₂) is presented. The article presents a comprehensive study of the characteristics of PAN-based nanofibers and CNFs, including an analysis of the external structure of the fibers, the dependence of fiber diameters on the viscosity of the initial solutions, the effect of temperature treatment on the functional groups of PAN, elemental analysis, and flame-retardant properties. It was found that the fiber diameter and its external structure strongly depend on the viscosity of the initial solutions; an increase in viscosity leads to a linear increase in the fiber diameter. Preliminary temperature treatment at 250 °C helps stabilize PAN nanofibers and prevents their melting at the carbonization stage. The differential scanning calorimetry results allowed us to determine the presence of peaks for the initial PAN nanofibers, indicating an exothermic process in the temperature range of 290–320 °C. The peak height decreased with increasing TiO₂ concentration in the samples. For CNF samples of different compositions, the endothermic effect prevailed in the temperature range of 400–700 °C, indicating the possible flame-retardant properties of these materials. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) was calculated based on the thermogravimetric analysis results. The highest LOI values were obtained for CNFs based on PAN without adding TiO₂ nanoparticles and CNFs modified with TiO₂ (3 wt.%). The resulting CNF-based nonwovens can be recommended for use in heat-protective clothing, flame-retardant mattresses, and flame-retardant suits for the military. Full article

This study is concerned with the research and development of nanofibrous hybrid materials functioning as membranes composed of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer and enriched with metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as dopants for the adsorption and detection of gases, dyes, and heavy metals in wastewater. Several types of nanofiber composites are fabricated by electrostatic spinning. The prepared samples and their chemical, optical, and material properties are analyzed. Subsequently, the preliminary investigation of dye removal is conducted. Accordingly, the design and investigation of these nanofibrous structures may contribute to addressing critical environmental and technological challenges. Full article