Search Results (1,004)

Although ceramic materials exhibit excellent thermal stability, high melting points, and chemical inertness, their intrinsic brittleness restricts their application across various fields. To address this challenge, ceramic fibers possessing the flexibility and functionality demanded by advanced applications have emerged. This review provides an overview of recent progress in ceramic fibers, emphasizing four major spinning techniques, including melt spinning, electrospinning, solution blow spinning, and wet spinning, along with their underlying fabrication mechanisms and process–structure relationships. The fibrous architectures (including aerogels, textiles, and membranes) demonstrate exceptional performance in thermal protection, extreme environment, wave absorption, thermoelectric energy conversion, and wearable electronic textiles and high-temperature catalysis. Despite these advancements, challenges remain in scalable continuous production, long-term stability under realistic service conditions, multifunctional integration, and cost-effective sustainability. This review provides a roadmap for translating laboratory innovations into practical, large-scale deployment in aerospace, energy, and electronic systems. Full article

Superhydrophobic SiO₂ nanofibers were deposited on copper foam substrates via micro/nano surface modification to improve the pool boiling heat transfer performance of porous copper media. By adopting an electrospinning technique, uniform and robust superhydrophobic SiO₂ nanofibers were firmly deposited on copper foam skeletons, forming interconnected porous structures with intrinsic superhydrophobic characteristics. The fabricated superhydrophobic nanofiber structures greatly reduce bubble nucleation resistance and provide sufficient stable vaporization sites, effectively promoting boiling heat transfer enhancement. Experimental results verify that surface modification with superhydrophobic SiO₂ nanofibers significantly improves the overall boiling performance of copper foam. The sample with a nanofiber loading of 1.8 mg achieves the optimal thermal performance, presenting lower wall superheat, higher critical heat flux, and an improved heat transfer coefficient. CFD simulations were conducted, and the numerical results exhibit good consistency with experimental measurements. Full article

Electrospinning is a widely used nanofabrication technique capable of producing fibers with a range of diameters, morphologies, and porosities through the adjustment of experimental parameters. However, achieving reliable fiber diameter tuning remains challenging because of the complex, nonlinear interdependence among multiple electrospinning variables. In this study, a data-driven methodology is proposed that integrates predictive machine learning (ML) modeling with evolutionary algorithm-based optimization, specifically employing a genetic algorithm (GA), to predict fiber diameter and guide electrospinning parameter selection across nano- and microscale ranges. A curated dataset comprising 388 data points from 30 scientific publications was developed, focusing exclusively on polyacrylonitrile (PAN) dissolved in dimethylformamide (DMF). Multiple ML models were trained and tested to predict fiber diameter as a function of key electrospinning parameters. Among the evaluated ML models, the eXtreme gradient boosting (XGB) model achieved the highest predictive performance, yielding a coefficient of determination (R²) value of 0.93 with low prediction errors (root mean square error [RMSE]: 127.76 nm, mean absolute error [MAE]: 56.27 nm) on the test set. Experimental validation was performed by fabricating electrospun PAN nanofibers under one independent set of conditions, with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showing close agreement between predicted and actual fiber diameters. The trained XGB model was subsequently integrated with a GA to identify electrospinning parameter sets for user-defined target fiber diameters ranging from 100 to 2000 nm. The evolutionary optimization process exhibited rapid convergence with low fitness error when evaluated using the trained predictive model. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of a data-driven methodology to generate model-guided candidate conditions for target-driven PAN-DMF electrospinning, subject to broader experimental validation. Full article

The development of 3D scaffolds that enable the reliable evaluation of cell migration remains a critical challenge in tissue engineering and wound-healing-related research. In this work, 3D scaffolds based on Chitosan/Collagen/Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA)/Hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanoparticles are presented as a promising approach to studying the migration of the 3T3 cell line. The electrospinning technique was employed to fabricate fibers with an average diameter of 0.2 μm for CH/Coll, 0.69 μm for CH/Coll/PLGA, and 0.14 μm for CH/Coll/HAp. The electrospinning parameters were optimized, and the properties of the scaffolds were further enhanced by incorporating hydroxyapatite (HAp) and PLGA, thereby improving their regenerative potential and tissue-engineering applicability. Preliminary cell proliferation was monitored in the wound area at 4, 12, 24, and 35 h. The highest cell migration was observed in scaffolds with hydroxyapatite nanoparticles. The resulting fiber matrix demonstrated promising effects on fibroblast migration in an in vitro scratch-assay model using NIH 3T3 cells, relevant to skin tissue repair. Full article

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are essential for current technological infrastructure, driving the development of portable electronics, electric vehicles or grid-scale energy storage. The performance and sustainability of LIBs are critically dependent on their anode materials. This comprehensive review analyzes the evolution and characteristics of key anode materials, highlighting the specific properties they confer to the final battery products. Beyond material properties, the synthesis methods employed for these materials, from conventional techniques (such as solid-state reactions, sol–gel, hydrothermal/solvothermal, co-precipitation, etc.) to innovative and greener approaches (like electrospinning and a novel induction furnace-oxidation hybrid method for complex oxides), are a crucial part in the development of sustainable materials. While these methods offer different advantages, the challenges in achieving optimal electrochemical performance, including issues related to material stability, capacity retention and scalability, remain significant for both research and manufacturing industries. Furthermore, a significant focus is placed on strategies for mitigating the environmental impact associated with anode material production, emphasizing the importance of unconventional and sustainable synthesis routes. Ultimately, the sustainable evolution of LIB technology to achieve future energy demands hinges on overcoming existing limitations. This necessitates integrated research combining advanced material modeling and design, scalable and environmentally conscious synthesis techniques and in-depth electrochemical characterization. Full article

Polypyrrole (PPy) synthesized via plasma polymerization (PPPy) offers a unique combination of electrical conductivity, biocompatibility and stability. This advanced material has emerged as a promising platform for next-generation optoelectronics and multiphotonic biosensors. However, fully unlocking its potential has been hindered by processing challenges that restrict the fabrication of tailored specimens for precise optical and mechanical characterization. This work overcomes these limitations by isolating and analyzing the nonlinear optical (NLO) response of PPPy across three distinct architectural paradigms: Electrospinning, Coating on SiO₂ Slides, and Dust of Polymer. Using open- and closed-aperture Z-scan techniques, we demonstrate that PPPy exhibits highly pronounced, architecture-dependent NLO behaviors. Notably, the Electrospinning PPPy morphology triggered a full order-of-magnitude enhancement in the nonlinear refractive index (n₂) alongside low-threshold nonlinear absorption (β × 10⁻⁸ cm/W). Irradiance-dependent properties further revealed an optical anisotropy, directly governed by the structural and morphological orientation inherent to each processing method. Since optical nonlinearities are closely related to mechanical and electronic properties, these findings provide a critical blueprint for developing macromolecular architectures, opening new pathways for biocompatible cutting-edge multiphotonic platforms, innovative coatings and surface modifications for tailored implants. Full article

Graphene oxide (GO)-based nanostructured biomaterials have emerged as promising platforms for tissue engineering due to their novel biointeractive properties. In this study, we developed polyamide 6 (PA6) scaffolds by electrospinning using the Nanospider technique. Unlike conventional laboratory-scale electrospinning systems, Nanospider™ employs a wire-based electrode coated with a thin layer of polymer solution, from which nanofibers are continuously generated under a high-voltage electric field, enabling the large-scale fabrication of scaffolds. The scaffolds were then nanostructured with GO to investigate the effect of surface modification on their physicochemical properties, and biological responses. Surface characterization demonstrated that GO incorporation altered the microtexture of PA6 scaffolds, leading to changes in topographical parameters and surface morphology. In vitro studies performed using human stromal HS-5 cells confirmed high cytocompatibility of both GO nanofilms and PA6-GO composites, with preserved metabolic activity and enhanced cell adhesion. Scanning electron microscopy revealed improved spreading, elongated morphology, and increased filopodia formation on GO-modified scaffolds. Gene expression analyses indicated modulation of mechanotransduction- and adhesion-related pathways, including differential regulation of FN1, FAK, and integrin-associated genes, suggesting that GO nanostructuring influences early cell–material interactions through combined effects on surface architecture and chemistry. Ex vivo studies using embryonic tissues derived from chicken embryo Gallus gallus demonstrated effective colonization of connective, cartilage, and bone tissues on GO-modified scaffolds. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that GO nanostructuring of electrospun PA6 scaffolds improves biointerface formation, supports mechanobiological adaptation, and promotes tissue development, highlighting the potential for regenerative medicine. Full article

Electrospinning is a highly versatile technique for fabricating nanofibrous membranes with high surface-area-to-volume ratios and tunable porosity. Although polycaprolactone (PCL) is widely utilized in biomedical engineering due to its biocompatibility, its electrospinning traditionally relies on hazardous organic solvents like dichloromethane (DCM) and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). This paper details the development of a fully sustainable, green electrospinning process for PCL using a bio-derived binary mixture of acetic acid and formic acid. Processing parameters (applied voltage, tip-to-collector distance, and flow rate) were systematically optimized using a Design of Experiments (DoE) response surface methodology. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the successful fabrication of uniform, bead-free nanofibers with a mean diameter of 247 nm, representing a 37.3% reduction compared to conventional DCM:DMF-spun matrices. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) verified complete solvent evaporates. Full article

The rapid emergence of antimicrobial resistance has intensified the need for advanced therapeutic platforms capable of improving the efficacy, stability, and targeted delivery of antimicrobial agents. Electrospun nanofibers have emerged as highly promising materials for biomedical applications due to their large surface area, high porosity, tunable morphology, and ability to incorporate a broad range of bioactive compounds. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the design, fabrication, and biomedical applications of electrospun bioactive nanofibers functionalized with antimicrobial drugs. It presents the main nanofiber fabrication techniques, with particular emphasis on electrospinning and the influence of solution, process, and environmental parameters on fiber morphology and drug-loading efficiency. Natural, synthetic, and hybrid polymer systems commonly employed in electrospun antimicrobial nanofibers are analyzed in relation to their physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and therapeutic performance. In addition, the review highlights different drug incorporation strategies, including encapsulation, immobilization, and surface coating, as well as the mechanisms of action of antimicrobial agents. Recent advances in nanotechnology-based antimicrobial systems and their role in overcoming analytical, biopharmaceutical, and drug-delivery limitations are also examined. Furthermore, the review addresses current challenges related to scalability, reproducibility, stability, and clinical translation of electrospun nanofibers. Finally, future perspectives focusing on multifunctional, stimuli-responsive, and personalized antimicrobial nanofiber systems are discussed as promising directions for combating bacterial infections and reducing the global burden of antimicrobial resistance. Full article

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are bio-based, biodegradable polyesters increasingly explored as sustainable biomaterials for regenerative medicine. This review summarizes recent advances in PHA-based bone substitute materials, highlighting their properties, fabrication methods, and biological performance. PHAs combine biocompatibility, tunable mechanical behavior, and degradation into non-toxic metabolites, while copolymerization and monomer selection modulate the stiffness, crystallinity, and resorption rate. Processing techniques such as solvent casting, electrospinning, and additive manufacturing allow the production of porous architectures that mimic bone extracellular matrix. Electrospinning is particularly suitable for nanoscale fibrous matrices, whereas 3D printing enables patient-specific scaffolds with controlled geometry and interconnected porosity. Scaffold performance can be further improved through the incorporation of osteoconductive fillers, including hydroxyapatite, β-tricalcium phosphate, bioactive glasses, graphene oxide, and carbon nanotubes, as well as through drug-delivery and pro-angiogenic functionalization. In vitro and in vivo studies consistently report favorable cytocompatibility, enhanced osteogenic differentiation, vascularization, and effective repair of bone defects in animal models. However, clinical translation remains limited by production costs, variability in polymer quality, thermal processing constraints, and regulatory challenges. Future progress will rely on more efficient biosynthesis, medical-grade purification, multifunctional scaffold design, and stronger collaboration between academia, industry, and clinicians to unlock the full potential of PHAs in regenerative bone therapies. Full article

Polymeric fibers represent a vital class of functional materials due to their versatile properties, such as wide availability, low cost, recyclability, biodegradability, and excellent mechanical and chemical stability. Polymer fibers can be fabricated at both micro- and nanoscale dimensions using a variety of processing techniques. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the principal methods employed for polymer fiber preparation, including electrospinning, melt and solution blowing, dry and wet spinning, template synthesis, phase separation, and self-assembly. The technical principles, as well as the advantages and limitations, of each technique are systematically discussed. The review also explores polymeric fibers as smart materials for actuation applications. Particular focus is given to stimulus-responsive fiber systems such as shape memory fibers, hydrogel fibers, liquid crystal fibers, and electroactive polymers. Overall, this review establishes a coherent framework linking polymer fiber fabrication strategies with structure–property–function relationships, offering practical guidance for material selection and accelerating the development of next-generation smart polymer fibers for advanced actuation and multifunctional applications. Full article

Understanding lithium distribution and transport within Li-ion battery components is critical in improving battery longevity, safety and performance. This study investigates lithium concentration profiles across the interface of an aluminum-doped Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂ (Al-LLZO) solid electrolyte and a lithium metal anode using Nuclear Reaction Analysis (NRA), a non-destructive depth-profiling technique. The Al-LLZO electrolyte was synthesized via electrospinning, producing nanofibers, which were subsequently sintered into pellets of average thickness 380 µm. These pellets were integrated into a Li|Al-LLZO|NMC-111 half-cell and cycled at 0.1 C for 1, 3, and 10 cycles, indicating pronounced lithium accumulation at the electrolyte–anode interface. Using NRA, this study provided a clear pathway for better understanding lithium transport and interfacial behavior, by quantitatively measuring the lithium distribution at the Al-LLZO electrolyte–electrode interface, and to look at the changes at this interface over the battery cycles. Full article

The recovery of antioxidant compounds from agri-food by-products represents a sustainable strategy for active packaging production. However, the compatibility between natural extracts and film-forming techniques plays a key role in determining film formation and properties. In this work, antioxidant extracts obtained from spent coffee grounds and tomato waste were incorporated into zein-based films produced using two different techniques. The objective was to investigate how extract type and processing technique influence film morphology, wettability, thickness, and mechanical properties. The results demonstrated a strong processing-dependent compatibility between extract composition and production techniques. Spent coffee ground extract was successfully incorporated into compact cast films, while tomato waste extract did not allow the formation of homogeneous cast films and required electrospinning to obtain uniform fibrous structures. The incorporation of spent coffee ground extract significantly increased surface wettability and film stiffness, with Young’s modulus reaching 695 MPa. In contrast, electrospun films containing tomato waste extract exhibited lower tensile strength due to their porous fibrous structure, although uniform fibers were obtained. These findings demonstrate that extract chemistry critically affects the suitability of the processing technique and provide useful guidelines for the design of sustainable zein-based active packaging systems derived from agri-food waste valorization. Full article

Research on edible and biodegradable film packaging (EBFP) has increased significantly to explore sustainable alternatives to synthetic packaging and mitigate its environmental impacts. Biomaterials extracted from agricultural food waste (AFW) may be utilized for the fabrication of EBFP as an alternative packaging for meat and meat products. The focal point of this review is to explore the potential AFW biomaterials and bioactive compounds available in industry, and their utilization techniques for fabricating EBFP with ideal mechanical parameters suitable for use as a packaging material. Moreover, research studies have been summarized related to EBFP’s efficacy on meat shelf life, physicochemical, oxidative, and microbial qualities during storage experiments. EBFP fabricated with AFW biomaterials, such as proteins, carbohydrates, essential oils, and bioactive compounds, exhibits favorable film-forming capacity, mechanical properties, barrier properties, biodegradability, and synergy with meat. Latest advances in the application of AFW biomaterials and bioactive compounds based on EBFP for meat packaging are directed toward novel fabrication processes such as electrospinning, solvent casting, and combination of both to produce a hybrid film, which markedly improves the mechanical and barrier properties. Moreover, including bioactive materials from AFW enhances the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of EBFP to combat the oxidative rancidity and bacteria, fungi, and molds in meat to prolong shelf life. Incorporation of AFW biomaterials and bioactive compounds has improved the intelligent properties of EBFP, which has been effectively used in meat packaging to detect freshness and spoilage of meat through color and pH changes. Full article

Four decades have elapsed since orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) were first formulated as the emulsion/type Lyoc tablet, a porous mass intended to rapidly disperse in saliva. Following the lyophilization process, new formulations of ODTs were designed, intending to make a simpler and more reproducible formulationZydis, LBL-Flash, Quicksolv, and, more recently, Zydis Ultra. Lyophilization is widely recognized as an effective technique for the development of ODTs, due to its ability to produce highly porous structures that enable rapid disintegration and improved patient compliance. However, its advantages should be considered in relation to other manufacturing methods, as each technology presents specific trade-offs in terms of cost, scalability, mechanical strength, drug loading capacity, and process robustness. In line with the modern sustainable and green pharmacy trend, new raw materials have gained attention as excipients for lyophilized ODTs; these materials include certain plant derivatives, but also performant excipients with newly discovered functionalities. At present, a new generation of ODTs is available in the form of Self-Nanoemulsifying Lyophilized Tablets (SNELTs), which bring the advantages of Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems (SNEDDS) into ODTs via the lyophilization method. The technique is mostly applicable to low-solubility drugs formulated as nanoemulsions, which are absorbed onto solid carriers and further lyophilized, forming the final ODT. Despite its limitations (expensive, time-consuming, and high product friability), lyophilization is being continuously developed nowadays, in combination with other techniques (3D printing, mucoadhesion, or electrospinning), building hybrid platforms for the modern ODTs of the future. Full article