Search Results (29)

In this study, a transient viscosity adjustment method using a coaxial nozzle was explored to fabricate nanofibers from non-spinnable m-poly(hydroxyamide) (m-PHA). Unlike conventional electrospinning methods that often require additives to induce fiber formation, this approach relies on a sheath-core configuration, introducing tetrahydrofuran (THF) to the sheath to temporarily adjust solution viscosity. The diffusion of THF into the core m-PHA solution resulted in momentary solidification at the interface, promoting nanofiber formation without compromising polymer solubility. SEM and rheological analyses confirmed that optimized sheath-to-core flow ratios yielded nanofibers with significantly reduced particle formation. Notably, increasing the THF flow rate facilitated a faster solidification rate, enhancing jet elongation and resulting in uniform nanofibers with diameters of approximately 180–190 nm. Although complete nanofibers without beads were not achieved in this study, this coaxial electrospinning approach presents a possible pathway for fabricating nanofibers from polymers with limited spinnability, potentially expanding the application scope of electro-spun materials in high-performance fields. Full article

Dressings with multiple functional performances (such as hemostasis, promoting regeneration, analgesia, and anti-inflammatory effects) are highly desired in orthopedic surgery. Herein, several new kinds of medicated nanofibers loaded with several active ingredients for providing multiple functions were prepared using the modified coaxial electrospinning processes. With an electrospinnable solution composed of polycaprolactone and fenoprofen as the core working fluid, several different types of unspinnable fluids (including pure solvent, nanosuspension containing tranexamic acid and hydroxyapatite, and dilute polymeric solution comprising tranexamic acid, hydroxyapatite, and polyvinylpyrrolidone) were explored to implement the modified coaxial processes for creating the multifunctional nanofibers. Their morphologies and inner structures were assessed through scanning and transmission electron microscopes, which all showed a linear format without the discerned beads or spindles and a diameter smaller than 1.0 μm, and some of them had incomplete core–shell nanostructures, represented by the symbol @. Additionally, strange details about the sheaths’ topographies were observed, which included cracks, adhesions, and embedded nanoparticles. XRD and FTIR verified that the drugs tranexamic acid and fenoprofen presented in the nanofibers in an amorphous state, which resulted from the fine compatibility among the involved components. All the prepared samples were demonstrated to have a fine hydrophilic property and exhibited a lower water contact angle smaller than 40° in 300 ms. In vitro dissolution tests indicated that fenoprofen was released in a sustained manner over 6 h through a typical Fickian diffusion mechanism. Hemostatic tests verified that the intentional distribution of tranexamic acid on the shell sections was able to endow a rapid hemostatic effect within 60 s. Full article

Two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) is considered as a highly promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its unique layer structure, large plane spacing, and high theoretical specific capacity; however, the overlap of MoS₂ nanosheets and inherently low electrical conductivity lead to rapid capacity decay, resulting in poor cycling stability and low multiplicative performance. This severely limits its practical application in LIBs. To overcome the above problems, composite fibers with a core//sheath structure have been designed and fabricated. The sheath moiety of MoS₂ nanosheets is uniformly anchored by the hydrothermal treatment of the axial of carbon nanofibers derived from an electrospinning method (CNFs//MoS₂). The quantity of the MoS₂ nanosheets on the CNFs substrates can be tuned by controlling the amount of utilized thiourea precursor. The influence of the MoS₂ nanosheets on the electrochemical properties of the composite fibers has been investigated. The synergistic effect between MoS₂ and carbon nanofibers can enhance their electrical conductivity and ionic reversibility as an anode for LIBs. The composite fibers deliver a high reversible capacity of 866.5 mA h g⁻¹ after 200 cycles at a current density of 0.5 A g⁻¹ and maintain a capacity of 703.3 mA h g⁻¹ after a long cycle of 500 charge–discharge processes at 1 A g⁻¹. Full article

Dithranol is one of the oldest and most efficient drugs used in the treatment of psoriasis. One of the challenges with using dithranol is its photostability, because it easily degrades when exposed to light. This study investigated the potential of coaxial core-sheath PCL/PVA nanofibers as a dual-functional system for enhancing dithranol photostability and remote-controlled drug delivery for psoriasis therapy. We have shown that coaxial nanofibers with titanium oxide nanoparticles (reflecting and absorbing ultra-violet light) in the PVA-based sheath part of the nanofibers can increase dithranol photostability. Incorporation of dithranol and magnetic nanoparticles into a PCL-based core of the nanofibers enables dithranol release control via an external radio-frequency field. The application of a radio-frequency field generates heat that can be used to control the release rate of drugs. Our approach therefore offers a non-invasive and remotely controlled drug release system that hold promise for the development of new topical formulations for psoriasis treatment using dithranol. Full article

This study presents a glucose biosensor based on electrospun core–sheath nanofibers. Two types of film were fabricated using different electrospinning procedures. Film F1 was composed solely of core–sheath nanofibers fabricated using a modified coaxial electrospinning process. Film F2 was a double-layer hybrid film fabricated through a sequential electrospinning and blending process. The bottom layer of F2 comprised core–sheath nanofibers fabricated using a modified process, in which pure polymethacrylate type A (Eudragit L100) was used as the core section and water-soluble lignin (WSL) and phenol were loaded as the sheath section. The top layer of F2 contained glucose oxidase (GOx) and gold nanoparticles, which were distributed throughout the polyvinylpyrrolidone K90 (PVP K90) nanofibers through a single-fluid blending electrospinning process. The study investigated the sequential electrospinning process in detail. The experimental results demonstrated that the F2 hybrid film had a higher degradation efficiency of β-D-glucose than F1, reaching a maximum of over 70% after 12 h within the concentration range of 10–40 mmol/L. The hybrid film F2 is used for colorimetric sensing of β-D-glucose in the range of 1–15 mmol/L. The solution exhibited a color that deepened gradually with an increase in β-D-glucose concentration. Electrospinning is flexible in creating structures for bio-cascade reactions, and the double-layer hybrid film can provide a simple template for developing other sensing nanomaterials. Full article

With the development of convergence technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence (AI), there has been increasing interest in the materials industry. In recent years, numerous studies have attempted to identify and explore multi-functional cutting-edge hybrid materials. In this paper, the international literature on the materials used in hybrid fibers and manufacturing technologies were investigated and their future utilization in the industry is predicted. Furthermore, a systematic review is also conducted. This includes sputtering, electrospun nanofibers, 3D (three-dimensional) printing, shape memory, and conductive materials. Sputtering technology is an eco-friendly, intelligent material that does not use water and can be applied as an advantageous military stealth material and electromagnetic blocking material, etc. Electrospinning can be applied to breathable fabrics, toxic chemical resistance, fibrous drug delivery systems, and nanoliposomes, etc. 3D printing can be used in various fields, such as core-sheath fibers and artificial organs, etc. Conductive materials include metal nanowires, polypyrrole, polyaniline, and CNT (Carbon Nano Tube), and can be used in actuators and light-emitting devices. When shape-memory materials deform into a temporary shape, they can return to their original shape in response to external stimuli. This study attempted to examine in-depth hybrid fiber materials and manufacturing technologies. Full article

One-dimensional (1D) core-sheath nanofibers, platinum (Pt)-loaded ceria (CeO₂) sheath on mesoporous silica (SiO₂) core were fabricated, characterized, and used as catalysts for the reverse water gas shift reaction (RWGS). CeO₂ nanofibers (NFs) were first prepared by electrospinning (ES), and then Pt nanoparticles were loaded on the CeO₂ NFs using two different deposition methods: wet impregnation and solvothermal. A mesoporous SiO₂ sheath layer was then deposited by sol-gel process. The phase composition, structural, and morphological properties of synthesized materials were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption/desorption method, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), inductively coupled plasma—optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) analysis, and CO₂ temperature programmed desorption (CO₂-TPD). The results of these characterization techniques revealed that the core-sheath NFs with a core diameter between 100 and 300 nm and a sheath thickness of about 40–100 nm with a Pt loading of around 0.5 wt.% were successfully obtained. The impregnated catalyst, Pt-CeO₂ NF@mesoporous SiO₂, showed the best catalytic performance with a CO₂ conversion of 8.9% at 350 °C, as compared to the sample prepared by the Solvothermal method. More than 99% selectivity of CO was achieved for all core-sheath NF-catalysts. Full article

Developing microwave absorbing composites with lightweight and wide absorption bands is an essential direction for electromagnetic wave stealth and shielding application. In this article, PAN/PMMA blend fibers and sheath-core blend fibers with PAN/PMMA as the sheath and PMMA as the core were spun by uniaxial and coaxial electrostatic spinning, respectively. Porous carbon nanofiber (PCNF) and hollow porous carbon nanofiber (HPCNF) were obtained after pre-oxidation and carbonization of the corresponding two precursor fibers. The microwave absorption composite samples with PCNF and HPCNF as absorbents and paraffin as matrix were prepared, respectively. Their electromagnetic parameters were investigated by the reflective-transmission network parameter method. The microwave absorption properties of the corresponding composites were calculated based on a model for a single-layer planewave absorber from electromagnetic parameters. The results showed diversity between the microwave absorbing performance of the composites filled with PCNF and HPCNF. HPCNF performs better than PCNF as an absorbent; that is, the lowest reflection loss of composite filled with HPCNF is −20.26 dB and the effective bandwidth (lower than −10 dB) is to 4.56 GHz, while the lowest reflection loss of a composite filled with PCNF is −13.70 dB, and the effective bandwidth (lower than −10 dB) is 2.68 GHz when the absorbent content is 7%, and the thickness is 3 mm. Much lower reflection loss and a wider absorption band could be expected from HPCNF. The presence of a hollow structure in HPCNF, which may increase the degree of polarization and provide more interfaces for the interference phase extinction of reflected electromagnetic waves, might help to improve the attenuation of electromagnetic waves and broaden the absorption band. Full article

The inefficient use of water-insoluble drugs is a major challenge in drug delivery systems. Core–sheath fibers with various shell thicknesses based on cellulose acetate (CA) were prepared by the modified triaxial electrospinning for the controlled and sustained release of the water-insoluble Chinese herbal active ingredient curcumin. The superficial morphology and internal structure of core–sheath fibers were optimized by increasing the flow rate of the middle working fluid. Although the prepared fibers were hydrophobic initially, the core–sheath structure endowed fibers with better water retention property than monolithic fibers. Core–sheath fibers had flatter sustained-release profiles than monolithic fibers, especially for thick shell layers, which had almost zero-order release for almost 60 h. The shell thickness and sustained release of drugs brought about a good antibacterial effect to materials. The control of flow rate during fiber preparation is directly related to the shell thickness of core–sheath fibers, and the shell thickness directly affects the controlled release of drugs. The fiber preparation strategy for the precise control of core–sheath structure in this work has remarkable potential for modifying water-insoluble drug release and improving its antibacterial performance. Full article

This work focuses on the manufacture of core-sheath nanofibers (NFs) based on chitosan (CHT) as sheath and cyclodextrin polymer (PCD) as core and loaded with triclosan (TCL). In parallel, monolithic NFs consisting of blended CHT-PCD and TCL were prepared. Nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). SEM displayed the morphology of NFs and the structure of the nanowebs, while TEM evidenced the core-sheath structure of NFs prepared by coaxial electrospinning. The core diameters and sheath thicknesses were found dependent on respective flow rates of both precursor solutions. Nanofibers stability and TCL release in aqueous medium were studied and correlated with the antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Results showed that the release profiles of TCL and therefore the antibacterial activity were directly related to the type of nanofibers. In the case of monolithic nanofibers, the NFs matrix was composed of polyelectrolyte complex (PEC formed between CHT and PCD) and resulted in a prolonged release of TCL and a sustained antibacterial effect. In the case of core-sheath NFs, the PEC was formed only at the core-sheath interface, leading to less stable NFs and therefore to a faster release of TCL, and to a less extended antibacterial activity compared to monolithic ones. Full article

Nanomaterials for air filtration have been studied by researchers for decades. Owing to the advantages of high porosity, small pore size, and good connectivity, nanofiber membranes prepared by electrospinning technology have been considered as an outstanding air-filter candidate. To satisfy the requirements of material functionalization, electrospinning can provide a simple and efficient one-step process to fabricate the complex structures of functional nanofibers such as core–sheath structures, Janus structures, and other multilayered structures. Additionally, as a nanoparticle carrier, electrospun nanofibers can easily achieve antibacterial properties, flame-retardant properties, and the adsorption properties of volatile gases, etc. These simple and effective approaches have benefited from the significate development of electrospun nanofibers for air-filtration applications. In this review, the research progress on electrospun nanofibers as air filters in recent years is summarized. The fabrication methods, filtration performances, advantages, and disadvantages of single-polymer nanofibers, multipolymer composite nanofibers, and nanoparticle-doped hybrid nanofibers are investigated. Finally, the basic principles of air filtration are concluded upon and prospects for the application of complex-structured nanofibers in the field of air filtration are proposed. Full article

The dissolution of poorly water-soluble drugs has been a longstanding and important issue in pharmaceutics during the past several decades. Nanotechnologies and their products have been broadly investigated for providing novel strategies for resolving this problem. In the present study, a new orodispersible membrane (OM) comprising electrospun nanofibers is developed for the fast dissolution of diclofenac sodium (DS). A modified coaxial electrospinning was implemented for the preparation of membranes, during which an unspinnable solution of sucralose was explored as the sheath working fluid for smoothing the working processes and also adjusting the taste of membranes. SEM and TEM images demonstrated that the OMs were composed of linear nanofibers with core-sheath inner structures. XRD and ATR-FTIR results suggested that DS presented in the OMs in an amorphous state due to the fine compatibility between DS and PVP. In vitro dissolution measurements and simulated artificial tongue experiments verified that the OMs were able to release the loaded DS in a pulsatile manner. The present protocols pave the way for the fast dissolution and fast action of a series of poorly water-soluble active ingredients that are suitable for oral administration. Full article

To recreate the in vivo niche for tendon tissue engineering in vitro, the characteristics of tendon tissue underlines the use of biochemical and biophysical cues during tenocyte culture. Herein, we prepare core-sheath nanofibers with polycaprolactone (PCL) sheath for mechanical support and hyaluronic acid (HA)/platelet-rich plasma (PRP) core for growth factor delivery. Three types of core-sheath nanofiber membrane scaffolds (CSNMS), consisting of random HA-PCL nanofibers (Random), random HA/PRP-PCL nanofibers (Random+) or aligned HA/PRP-PCL (Align⁺) nanofibers, were used to study response of rabbit tenocytes to biochemical (PRP) and biophysical (fiber alignment) stimulation. The core-sheath structures as well as other pertinent properties of CSNMS have been characterized, with Align⁺ showing the best mechanical properties. The unidirectional growth of tenocytes, as induced by aligned fiber topography, was confirmed from cell morphology and cytoskeleton expression. The combined effects of PRP and fiber alignment in Align⁺ CSNMS lead to enhanced cell proliferation rates, as well as upregulated gene expression and marker protein synthesis. Another biophysical cue on tenocytes was introduced by dynamic culture of tenocyte-seeded Align⁺ in a bioreactor with cyclic tension stimulation. Augmented by this biophysical beacon from mechanical loading, dynamic cell culture could shorten the time for tendon maturation in vitro, with improved cell proliferation rates and tenogenic phenotype maintenance, compared to static culture. Therefore, we successfully demonstrate how combined use of biochemical/topographical cues as well as mechanical stimulation could ameliorate cellular response of tenocytes in CSNMS, which can provide a functional in vitro environmental niche for tendon tissue engineering. Full article

The sustained release of a water-soluble drug is always a key and important issue in pharmaceutics. In this study, using cellulose acetate (CA) as a biomacromolecular matrix, core-sheath nanofibers were developed for providing a sustained release of a model drug—metformin hydrochloride (MET). The core–sheath nanofibers were fabricated using modified tri-axial electrospinning, in which a detachable homemade spinneret was explored. A process—nanostructure–performance relationship was demonstrated through a series of characterizations. The prepared nanofibers F2 could release 95% of the loaded MET through a time period of 23.4 h and had no initial burst effect. The successful sustained release performances of MET can be attributed to the following factors: (1) the reasonable application of insoluble CA as the filament-forming carrier, which determined that the drug was released through a diffusion manner; (2) the core–sheath nanostructure provided the possibility of both encapsulating the drug completely and realizing the heterogeneous distributions of MET in the nanofibers with a higher drug load core than the sheath; (3) the thickness of the sheath sections were able to be exploited for further manipulating a better drug extended release performance. The mechanisms for manipulating the drug sustained release behaviors are proposed. The present proof-of-concept protocols can pave a new way to develop many novel biomolecule-based nanostructures for extending the release of water-soluble drugs. Full article

In this study, we prepared core-sheath nanofiber membranes (CSNFMs) with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) embedding in the polylactic acid (PLA) nanofiber sheath and hyaluronic acid (HA) in the nanofiber core. The PLA/Ag NPs sheath provides mechanical support as well as anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The controlled release of HA from the core could exert anti-adhesion effects to promote tendon sliding while reducing fibroblast attachment. From the microfibrous structural nature of CSNFMs, they function as barrier membranes to reduce fibroblast penetration without hampering nutrient transports to prevent post-operative peritendinous adhesion. As the anti-adhesion efficacy will depend on release rate of HA from the core as well as Ag NP from the sheath, we fabricated CSNFMs of comparable fiber diameter, but with thick (Tk) or thin (Tn) sheath. Similar CSNFMs with thick (Tk⁺) and thin (Tn⁺) sheath but with embedded Ag NPs in the sheath were also prepared. The physico-chemical properties of the barrier membranes were characterized in details, together with their biological response including cell penetration, cell attachment and proliferation, and cytotoxicity. Peritendinous anti-adhesion models in rabbits were used to test the efficacy of CSNFMs as anti-adhesion barriers, from gross observation, histology, and biomechanical tests. Overall, the CSNFM with thin-sheath and Ag NPs (Tn⁺) shows antibacterial activity with low cytotoxicity, prevents fibroblast penetration, and exerts the highest efficacy in reducing fibroblast attachment in vitro. From in vivo studies, the Tn⁺ membrane also shows significant improvement in preventing peritendinous adhesions as well as anti-inflammatory efficacy, compared with Tk and Tn CSNFMs and a commercial adhesion barrier film (SurgiWrap^®) made from PLA. Full article