Search Results (1,248)

In this study, a hierarchical design strategy is introduced for tuning the release of rosmarinic acid (RA) from electrospun poly(L-lactide) (PLA) fibrous materials via surface engineering with chitosan/hyaluronic acid (Ch/HA) polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs). RA was selectively incorporated within the fiber bulk, the PEC coating, or both, enabling control over its spatial distribution. The PEC coating, formed by sequential dip coating, was shown to act as a diffusion-regulating layer with a dual role—either retarding RA release or promoting rapid initial release when functioning as a surface-associated reservoir. As a result, the release kinetics could be systematically tuned depending on the coating architecture and RA localization. Thorough characterization confirmed successful coating formation, enhanced surface hydrophilicity, and improved mechanical performance. All RA-loaded materials retained high antioxidant activity and exhibited pronounced antibacterial and antifungal effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. This work introduces PEC-modified electrospun systems as a versatile platform for the rational design of multifunctional fibrous biomaterials with controlled release profiles, with potential applications in wound healing and drug delivery. Full article

Coaxial electrospinning technology enables the fabrication of nanofibers with a core-shell structure, thereby facilitating the encapsulation of functional materials. Its efficacy lies in the precise regulation of mass transfer behavior at the sensing interface. However, achieving the controllable preparation of core-shell fiber structures in complex environments and quantitatively predicting their mass transfer kinetics remain challenging. This study aims to establish a predictive framework combining simulation and experiment. Firstly, finite element simulations using COMSOL clarified that increasing the shell thickness or decreasing its effective diffusion coefficient can significantly delay analyte transport. A model incorporating time-varying parameters further revealed the influence of polymer swelling on the initial release kinetics. Using the diffusion of an aqueous KCl solution as a model system, experiments confirmed that increasing the shell solution concentration is an effective processing strategy for enhancing the mass transfer barrier. Based on the Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology (RSM), a quantitative model linking key process parameters to release kinetic parameters was established. Model diagnostics indicated that the regression equation is significant and reliable. Validation experiments demonstrated that the model possesses good predictive capability for the key release kinetic parameters, with prediction errors within an acceptable range. The framework established in this study indicates that active design of the mass transfer behavior of core-shell fibers can be achieved through process control, providing a quantitative predictive tool and methodological reference for the preparation of controllable mass transfer interfaces for sensing applications. Full article

This study investigates the formation mechanism of non-doped cubic lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide (c-LLZO) nanofibers using in situ synchrotron X-ray scattering techniques. Electrospun polymer precursor nanofibers were annealed at temperatures up to 800 °C, enabling real-time tracking of phase transitions via simultaneous small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), and evolved CO₂ gas analysis. The results reveal a three-step transformation pathway: polymer decomposition, formation of La₂Zr₂O₇ (LZO), and direct conversion of LZO to c-LLZO without intermediate tetragonal phases detected within the sensitivity of our in situ WAXS measurement. Cryo-electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) further elucidates the role of lithium diffusion, showing Li enrichment at fiber surfaces and Li deficiency in the interior, which stabilizes the cubic phase. This Li segregation effect in nanostructured LLZO materials extends beyond the previously reported size effect. This work advances the understanding of c-LLZO formation mechanisms and provides practical insights for optimizing synthesis routes to achieve phase-pure c-LLZO for solid-state battery applications. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of a hydrogel loaded with Wharton’s Jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs) and melatonin, administered to the liver either via mesh–hydrogel implantation or intraperitoneal hydrogel injection, in a thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis animal model. Methods: A collagen-based hydrogel containing WJ-MSCs and melatonin was prepared for injection as well as combined with electrospun mesh for implantation. Hydrogel and mesh were characterized with respect to morphology, degradation, and mechanical properties. In in vivo studies, liver fibrosis was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of TAA for 6 weeks. After fibrosis induction, animals received either hydrogel injection or implantation of the combined construct. After 21 days, serum and liver tissues were collected, and biochemical, histopathological, and ultrastructural analyses were performed through comparative evaluation of experimental groups. Results: SEM results demonstrated that hydrogel, with appropriate porosity, was well integrated with the mesh without any detachment. The mesh, composed of submicron-scale fibers, exhibited a Young’s modulus of 10.37 ± 2.33 MPa. The hydrogel presented a degradation profile with a 40% mass loss in 24 h, reaching approximately 50% by day 30. Biochemical results indicated significant improvement in liver regeneration with both treatment strategies, particularly with the implanted construct. Histopathological analysis revealed decreased inflammation and hepatocyte vacuolization following both treatments; however, collagen accumulation was significantly reduced in the implant group. Ultrastructural analysis showed preserved nuclear integrity and reduced endoplasmic reticulum dilation and degenerative changes in implant group. Conclusions: The combination of WJ-MSCs and melatonin-loaded hydrogel with supportive mesh particularly enhanced tissue regeneration in liver fibrosis. Full article

Cyclic pollutants such as dyes, antibiotics, phenols and VOCs in water and atmosphere feature stable structures and are difficult to mineralize, which constitutes the core problem in current environmental governance. Semiconductor photocatalysis provides a green strategy for the advanced treatment of such pollutants. Electrospun black TiO₂/Ag-loaded SiO₂ nanofiber membranes have become a research hotspot owing to their multi-component synergistic advantages. This paper systematically reviews the preparation processes and structure regulation methods of electrospun SiO₂ nanofiber membranes; expounds the loading strategies of black TiO₂ and Ag nanoparticles, the interface regulation mechanisms and the synergistic photocatalytic mechanism of the ternary composite system; summarizes the application progress in the degradation of cyclic pollutants in water and atmospheric VOCs; and emphatically analyzes the performance characteristics and key issues in the ring-opening degradation of cyclic pollutants. Studies show that the high specific surface area and porous structure of SiO₂ nanofiber membranes offer excellent support for catalytic reactions. In addition, black TiO₂ achieves a full-spectrum response through defect engineering; the SPR effect and Schottky barrier of Ag significantly improve carrier separation efficiency; and the synergistic effect of the three components enhances the adsorption–catalytic degradation capacity. Current challenges remain in ring-opening efficiency and stability, requiring multi-method breakthroughs to overcome bottlenecks, clarify mechanisms and promote engineering applications. This paper provides theoretical references for the development of high-performance fiber-based photocatalytic materials and lays a foundation for the practical application of electrospun inorganic nanofiber membranes in the field of environmental catalysis. Full article

Valorization of abundant agricultural residues, particularly lignin, provides the opportunity to divert waste streams while enabling materials to inherently exhibit durable functionalities, including UV-blocking, antioxidant properties and water repellency. This study reports the side-by-side valorization of hemp hurd (HL) and corn stover lignin (CL), extracted using the CELF process, into electrospun lignin/nylon 6 nanofiber membranes, establishing how lignin botanical origin, molecular weight (M_w), and blend ratio govern multifunctional performance relevant to protective membranes in textiles. Lignin–nylon 6 hydrogen bonding was regulated by the OH content and accessibility, M_w, and purity, and influenced the functional properties of the fibers. While stronger in low-M_w nanofibers, these interactions were weakest in low-M_w HL samples due to the lowest purity, despite the highest OH content. Fibers with low-M_w lignin yielded finer, brittle fibers with higher UV blocking, whereas high-M_w fractions showed higher antioxidant performance due to decreased interactions with nylon 6. Overall, lignin/nylon 6 nanofiber membranes delivered biobased UPF 50+ performance, 55–61% antioxidant activity at the optimal concentration, and exhibited tunable water repellency via fraction selection and the blend ratio. In combination with a nanofiber architecture, these membranes can impart durable inherent functionality onto textile substrates without affecting their existing properties, including water vapor permeability, without the use of chemical finishing, while utilizing renewable resources from agricultural residues. Full article

Electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) membranes incorporating Triticum vulgare extract (TVE) were developed as biomimetic scaffolds for periodontal regeneration. Using a ternary solvent system, two experimental formulations (µF-P10 and µF-P10T1) were fabricated and compared against a commercial dermal matrix. SEM analysis revealed bimodal fiber distributions (0.77–1.74 µm) and a surface porosity of 29.86% for TVE-loaded membranes, significantly higher than that of the commercial control (25.26%). FT-IR confirmed that the PCL chemical integrity was preserved, while mechanical testing showed that extract incorporation reinforced the matrix, increasing the Young’s modulus from 2.90 × 10³ Pa to 3.54 × 10³ Pa. UHPLC–MS identified ferulic acid as the primary bioactive component (90%), with release kinetics following a first-order model (R² = 0.998) over 48 h. Biological assays with human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) confirmed non-cytotoxicity (>70% viability). While both membranes supported healing, the µF-P10 formulation showed superior performance, with 80.2% proliferation and 60.6% wound closure, approaching control levels. These findings demonstrate that PCL-TVE electrospun scaffolds effectively combine favorable morphology and controlled release, offering a promising alternative for subepithelial connective tissue regeneration. Full article

Superhydrophobic fiber films, as a typical superhydrophobic material, have advantages such as self-cleaning, non-wettability, and pollution resistance. They can be widely used in oil-water separation, antibacterial, anti-pollution, anti-icing, and self-cleaning fields. Traditional electrospun superhydrophobic fiber films face difficulties in fabricating fibers with large contact angles due to the non-Newtonian fluid flow and Taylor cone jet trajectory limitations. To address this challenge, this study develops a novel ultrasonic-magnetic field coupling electrospinning strategy for fabricating poly(methyl methacrylate)-polystyrene (PMMA-PS) fibrous films with enhanced superhydrophobicity. Physical, chemical, and contact angle measurements were used to analyze the morphology, composition, and hydrophobic properties of the fabricated films. The results showed that by controlling the blend ratio of PMMA and PS and optimizing the electrospinning process with ultrasonic vibration and magnetic field coupling, PMMA-PS fibers with better fiber refinement, closer spindle-shaped arrangements, and significantly increased roughness were successfully fabricated. When using 15% PMMA and 15% PS solutions, the static contact angle of the resulting fiber films reached 173.1°, demonstrating the best superhydrophobicity. The study suggests that optimizing the surface morphology of the nanofibers is an effective method to improve hydrophobicity and provides a new approach for fabricating superhydrophobic fiber films. Full article

Water contamination resulting from anthropogenic activities poses a critical threat to ecosystems and human health. The development of efficient, sustainable, and selective materials for water purification has therefore become a pressing necessity. In this study, polyurethanes (PUs) with tailored soft and hard segments were synthesized and characterized to evaluate their suitability for the fabrication of electrospun membranes. ATR-FTIR confirmed successful polymerization, while thermal analyses revealed that molecular design strongly influences the polymers’ thermal behavior. Among the synthesized materials, only two PUs exhibited solubility and spinnability, leading to homogeneous nanofibrous mats with average fiber diameters of approximately 500 nm. To enhance the adsorption capacity, specific surface area and interaction diversity of the membranes, metal–organic framework (MOF) particles were incorporated into the polymer solutions prior to electrospinning, allowing their immobilization within the fibrous polymer matrix. The resulting hybrid membranes showed remarkable improvements in methylene blue uptake, increasing from 29 to 34 mg·m⁻² in pristine membranes and 57 to 115 mg·m⁻² in the MOF-containing ones. This enhancement was attributed to the synergistic effect between the aromatic urethane structures and the MOF linkers, as well as to the increased effective surface area provided by the nanofibrous architecture. The results demonstrate the potential of electrospun PU-based membranes as pollutant removal, combining structural versatility, functional tunability, and compatibility. Full article

In this study, electrospun poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBH) biopapers were produced by annealing electrospun fiber mats from two commercial grades (151C and X131A) and compared with films prepared by the conventional melt-mixing/compression molding method. To obtain continuous biopapers, the fiber mats were subjected to mild thermal post-processing at various temperatures. The selected annealing temperatures were 140 °C (151C) and 130 °C (X131A), where interfiber coalescence occurred within a short annealing time (10 s), yielding continuous fibrous films (biopapers). To elucidate the structural mechanisms underlying interfiber coalescence, time-resolved synchrotron SAXS/WAXS and temperature-dependent FTIR spectroscopy were performed. These analyses showed that coalescence occurred through an interplay between thermally induced local ordering at sub-melting temperatures and premelting/partial melting of thin, ill-defined lamellae, with grade-dependent contributions. The resulting biopapers were evaluated against compression-molded films for optical, mechanical, and barrier properties relevant to packaging. All samples showed similar transparency, although compression-molded films were slightly more opaque. The lower-rigidity grade (151C) exhibited more ductile and tougher behavior than X131A. Biopapers showed slightly lower water and oxygen barrier performance than compression-molded films, attributed to differences in material compactness. Overall, brief mild annealing after electrospinning enabled continuous PHBH biopapers with balanced properties, supporting their potential for sustainable PHBH-based food-packaging applications. Full article

This study examined how the extraction medium used to obtain Quercus robur extracts influenced the properties of electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) mats intended for potential active packaging applications. Extracts prepared with 50% ethanol and with a choline chloride:lactic acid:water system were incorporated into PVA spinning solutions, and their effects on solution properties, fiber morphology, thermal behavior, crosslinking response, and polyphenol release were evaluated. The type of extraction medium affected both the electrospinning process and the structure of the resulting materials. Ethanol-derived extracts reduced solution viscosity and promoted the formation of thinner fibers, whereas systems containing the choline chloride:lactic acid:water-derived extract showed higher conductivity and lower electrospinning stability. Crosslinking with tannic acid in water led to the collapse of the fibrous structure, while ethanolic tannic acid treatment preserved the nanofibrous morphology more effectively. FTIR analysis indicated differences in intermolecular interactions within the polymer matrix, consistent with the observed changes in structural stability and release behavior. Thermal analysis showed that ethanol-derived extracts lowered the thermal stability of the PVA matrix, whereas the choline chloride:lactic acid:water-derived system altered the degradation pathway and increased the amount of solid residue formed during heating. Release studies demonstrated a rapid burst release for ethanol-based mats and a more sustained release profile for mats containing the choline chloride:lactic acid:water-derived extract. Selected extract-containing and ethanol–tannic acid-crosslinked mats also showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The results showed that the extraction medium significantly affected polymer–extract interactions and the functional properties of electrospun PVA mats. At the same time, the conclusions refer specifically to the tested solvent systems, and broader generalization to other natural deep eutectic solvent-type formulations requires further comparative studies. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents one of the major threats to global health, driven by the indiscriminate use of antibiotics and decline in the development of new therapeutic agents. In this context, essential oils (EOs) have emerged as innovative natural alternatives due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and low potential to induce bacterial resistance. However, their clinical application is limited by their volatility, low chemical stability, and rapid degradation. The incorporation of EOs into electrospun natural polymer fibers has emerged as an effective strategy to overcome these limitations, improving their stability, enabling controlled release, and enhancing their antimicrobial efficiency. This review focuses on the use of electrospun natural polymers for biomedical applications, highlighting their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to mimic the extracellular matrix, thereby promoting cell interaction. Additionally, their high surface area and porous structure facilitate efficient encapsulation and controlled release of bioactive compounds. Recent advances in the development of these systems against clinically relevant multidrug-resistant pathogens are analyzed, along with the antimicrobial mechanisms of EOs. Finally, the factors influencing encapsulation and release efficiency, as well as the main challenges and future perspectives for clinical translation, are discussed. Full article

Background: Erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE) are prevalent conditions affecting men’s sexual health, for which tadalafil and dapoxetine have shown promise in their treatment, respectively. Conventional oral dosage forms face limitations, including variable absorption and delayed onset of action. In this study, we developed electrospun nanofibers using polyvinylpyrrolidone for buccal drug delivery as an alternative dosage form to oral tablets. This route offers advantages such as easy administration, suitability for those with difficulty swallowing, particularly the elderly, and a rapid onset of action via the blood capillaries, which might improve bioavailability. Methods: PVP nanofibers loaded with tadalafil and dapoxetine were fabricated using a modified electrospinning procedure with the Spraybase system, where an 8% (w/v) PVP ethanol solution containing 1.5% dapoxetine and 0.5% tadalafil was electrospun under controlled conditions (800 µL/h flow rate, 15 cm distance, 0.55 mm needle, and 8–10 kV) to produce uniform fibers. Results: The morphology of the nanofibers was characterized using SEM, revealing smooth, uniform fibers with an average diameter of 218 ± 50 nm for drug-loaded nanofibers. This nanofibrous system also demonstrated ultra-rapid disintegration occurring within 4 ± 1 s and consistent drug loading and encapsulation efficiency for both drugs. The release profile showed a burst drug release after 15 min, which accounted for >45% for tadalafil and >50% for dapoxetine, followed by a sustained increment in the drug release that reached > 60% for tadalafil and >78% for dapoxetine after 30 min until a complete drug release (100%) for both drugs after 180 min. In vitro cytotoxicity studies on human dermal fibroblasts confirmed the safety of both medications, with cell viability exceeding 50%, at concentrations of 1.56 to 25 µg/mL for tadalafil and 4.69 to 9.38 µg/mL for dapoxetine after 24 and 48 h of incubation. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of PVP-based nanofibers as a novel buccal delivery system for the combined treatment of ED and PE. Full article

This study reports the development and characterization of hierarchical electrospun scaffolds based on poly (L-lactic acid) (PLA) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) reinforced with calcium oxide (CaO) nanoparticles (18.5 ± 4.7 nm) for skin regeneration. Six configurations, including two five-layer multilayer systems (PLA/PAN/CaO and PAN/PLA/CaO), were evaluated to determine how composition and deposition sequence influence physicochemical, mechanical, and biological performance. FT-IR, XRD and DSC confirmed the successful integration of CaO, while thermal analysis evidenced an effect of chain mobility and interfacial interactions within multilayer systems. Cross-sectional SEM revealed the presence of both fibers with continuous interfaces. Nitrogen adsorption showed that CaO significantly increased the specific surface area (e.g., from 4.6 m²/g in neat PLA to 21.65 m²/g in PLA/CaO), with type IV isotherms indicating mesoporosity. Wettability assays demonstrated reduced contact angle in PLA (from 126.3° to 91.8°) and sequence-dependent surface properties in multilayers. Tensile testing confirmed that the multilayer architecture bridged the mechanical gap between compliant PLA and high-strength PAN, yielding intermediate moduli (~10–11 MPa) and balanced toughness. Antibacterial assays against S. aureus and E. coli showed that CaO significantly reduced bacterial viability, with PLA/PAN/CaO achieving the highest inhibition (up to 37.1%). In vitro HaCaT assays and in vivo implantation in BALB/c mice confirmed high cytocompatibility and biocompatibility. These findings demonstrate that multilayer electrospinning of PLA/PAN/CaO enables the design of structurally integrated, bioactive, and mechanically balanced scaffolds for advanced wound healing and dermal repair. Full article

Ocular infections and inflammation represent a clear risk to eye health, but standard eye masks often lack the necessary therapeutic features. Moreover, most existing studies employ a blended electrospinning approach, which leads to an inhomogeneous spatial distribution of the therapeutic agents. However, using the coaxial technique can address these limitations. This study develops a coaxial electrospun nanofibrous eye mask with dual antibacterial and antioxidant functions, aiming to provide an innovative ocular treatment tool for eye care. Generally, a core-shell structured bilayer polycaprolactone-polylysine/polyvinyl alcohol-resveratrol (PCL-PLs/PVA-RSV) membrane is successfully prepared by coaxial electrospinning, where the core is resveratrol-loaded PVA and the shell is PLs-loaded PCL. Results show uniform fiber morphology, favorable hydrophilicity, and potential for sustained release due to core-shell design. The membrane significantly inhibits the growth of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli); at the same time, it exhibits excellent free radical scavenging ability and good component biocompatibility, achieving slow release of the two drugs and long-term antioxidant effect. This multifunctional platform offers a synergistic approach to combating microbial infection and oxidative stress, showing great potential for eye care. Full article