Search Results (4,567)

Voice disorders severely limit verbal communication, creating a need for intuitive assistive technologies. To meet this need, we present epidermal strain sensors that capture strain signals during silent speech and hand gesture. A thin electrospun nanofiber layer integrated onto commercial polyurethane films guides uniform, controlled microcrack formation in screen-printed carbon conductive paths, achieving a gauge factor up to 243 over 0–40% strain. Signals from the seven-channel strain sensor array are recognized by a hybrid neural network that combines convolutional and Transformer architectures, reaching over 98% accuracy. The recognized outputs are rendered in virtual reality (VR), enabling intuitive, real-time communication. Moreover, the approach simplifies fabrication by enabling crack-based strain sensing with only a thin electrospun surface layer on commercial polyurethane films, eliminating the need for thick freestanding electrospun substrates. This cost-effective approach addresses limitations of conventional electrospun substrates by minimizing the thickness of the electrospun layer, thereby shortening the electrospinning time. Overall, the work demonstrates a method for translating natural non-verbal expressions into speech and text in VR, with promising applications in healthcare and assistive communication. Full article

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) represent a compelling alternative to lithium-ion batteries for grid-scale energy storage, owing to the high natural abundance and low cost of sodium resources, as well as their strategic alignment with national energy security priorities. Nevertheless, the sluggish Na⁺ diffusion kinetics and limited specific capacity of anode materials continue to impede practical deployment. Herein, nitrogen-doped carbon-coated TiO₂ nanofibers (TiO₂/C-N) were rationally engineered through a facile electrospinning route integrated with synergistic defect and coating engineering. The in situ-formed N-doped carbon shell establishes a continuous, high-conductivity electron-transport network while simultaneously buffering volumetric strain during repeated (de)sodiation, thereby preserving long-term structural integrity. Electrochemical assessments demonstrate that the TiO₂/C-N electrode delivers a reversible specific capacity of 233.64 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 A g⁻¹ (initial Coulombic efficiency 54.13%). Quantitative kinetic analysis reveals a pronounced pseudocapacitive contribution of 41.4% at 1.2 mV s⁻¹, confirming a surface-controlled Na⁺ storage pathway that markedly enhances rate capability. Moreover, the electrode retains 245.5 mAh g⁻¹ after 150 cycles at 1 A g⁻¹, underscoring exceptional cycling stability. This work elucidates the synergistic regulation of N-doped carbon coating and pseudocapacitive kinetics in TiO₂-based anodes, offering a robust design strategy for high-rate, long-cycle-life SIB anodes. Full article

The need for reliable preventive medicine tools is growing, especially for diseases with long diagnostic delays, such as endometriosis, which can take several years to diagnose. In this context, cellulose acetate nanofibrous membranes were prepared via electrospinning, to create the absorbent core of a smart wearable in the form of a sanitary pad, intended to support electronic diagnostic devices. A multi-layered structure was opted for, with each layer acting in a specific way according to its position within the pad, regarding mainly absorbency and porosity. The membranes were ultralight and highly absorbent, with single membranes showing an absorbency of 20–70 times their initial weight, and multi-layered membranes 15–30 times. Morphological evaluation of the pad was used as the basis for the optimization of the fabrication parameters, while liquid absorption capacity confirmed the pad’s high absorbency. Additionally, chemical and toxicological assessments indicated in vitro biocompatibility of the pad. The potential of the electrospinning process in the fabrication of menstrual hygiene pads is shown by these results. Future studies should focus on the integration of smart devices within the pad, as well as their functionality and effectiveness. Full article

Conductive hydrogels are attractive for flexible electronics, but their practical use is often limited by resistance drift during repeated deformation and performance degradation at low temperatures. Here, core–shell polyaniline-coated polyacrylonitrile (PANi@PAN) electrospun nanofibers were incorporated into a polyacrylamide/hydroxypropyl cellulose (PAM/HPC) hydrogel matrix to construct a hybrid conductive network. The PANi shell serves as an electronic pathway alongside ionic conduction in the hydrated polymer network, leading to markedly improved electromechanical stability. The resistance drift is about 11% after 2000 stretching–relaxation cycles at 0–100% strain, about 12 times lower than that of the nanofiber-free hydrogel. Stable electrical responses are maintained under large deformation, with a resistance drift as low as 3.3% over a strain range of 0–400%. The hydrogels show a conductivity of 0.32 S m⁻¹ while retaining high stretchability (>600%). An ethylene glycol/water binary solvent is used to suppress ice formation and improve moisture retention, allowing stable electromechanical performance at −15 °C over 500 cycles. The hydrogel also adheres reliably to human skin (about 10.25 kPa) and functions as a conformal strain sensor without extra fixation. Full article

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder that affects reproductive health, metabolic function, and long-term cardiovascular health in women of reproductive age. The syndrome is characterized by hyperandrogenism, chronic anovulation, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and ovarian microenvironment remodeling. While current treatments focus on symptom relief through hormone regulation, insulin sensitizers, or ovulation induction, there is a need to target the underlying molecular and cellular processes that drive disease progression and infertility. Breakthroughs in reproductive and metabolic medicine have led to the development of next-generation therapeutics for PCOS that aim to restore ovarian function at the molecular level. Nanoparticle- and nanofiber-based drug delivery systems offer targeted delivery to the ovaries, improved bioavailability, and controlled release of insulin sensitizers, antioxidants, and anti-androgens. Metabolic reprogramming strategies that target insulin resistance, mitochondrial dysfunction, and autophagy have emerged as potential disease-modifying interventions. In addition, AI-enabled precision medicine approaches are reshaping PCOS management through phenotype-based classification, predictive modeling, and personalized fertility optimization. In this review, we highlight recent advancements in understanding the molecular pathophysiology of PCOS and introduce novel therapeutics that harness intelligent drug delivery, ovarian microenvironment restoration, and AI-based interventions. We discuss the potential of these innovative strategies to update PCOS management options for long-term ovarian restoration and fertility. Full article

Mineral powder–based bone grafts exhibit excellent osteoconductivity; however, their clinical efficacy is often compromised by insufficient early-stage tissue ingrowth, leading to particle aggregation and pocket formation within the defect site during the initial healing phase. Here, we report a cotton-type nanofiber-guided mineral graft designed to overcome this early integration failure by creating fibrous pathways for tissue ingress. Cotton-type polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers were fabricated via electrospinning using a pin-based collector engineered to induce strong inter-fiber repulsion, resulting in a highly expanded, three-dimensional cottony architecture. Tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) and α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) mineral particles were subsequently deposited onto the surface of the cottony nanofibers, forming a fibrous–mineral hybrid graft (c-NF@T/α-TCP) in which the nanofibers act as a transient, functionally defined tissue-guiding framework during the early healing phase. The cottony nanofiber network effectively prevented mineral particle aggregation and generated continuous pathways within the graft, facilitating early tissue infiltration and vascular ingress during the first week after implantation. In vivo evaluation in a bone defect model demonstrated that c-NF@T/α-TCP significantly reduced tissue pocket formation at early time points and promoted subsequent bone regeneration compared to mineral powder-only grafts. This study highlights the critical importance of early-stage structural guidance in mineral-based bone grafts and introduces cotton-type nanofiber–guided pathway engineering as a simple yet effective strategy to unlock the regenerative potential of conventional inorganic bone substitutes. Full article

Flexible and wearable electronics require soft sensing materials that balance mechanical compliance, stable signal transduction, and durability for human–machine interfaces (HMIs). To address the limitations of single-filler systems, we propose a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/aramid nanofiber (ANF)/MXene organogel (PAM) as a multifunctional soft platform. This design integrates a PVA physically crosslinked network with ANF for mechanical reinforcement and MXene for electrical functionality. The optimized PAM composite exhibits outstanding mechanical properties, including a fracture stress of 2931 kPa, a fracture strain of 676%, and a fracture toughness of 9.04 MJ m⁻³. Importantly, PAM serves as a single material platform configurable into three sensing modalities. The resistive strain sensor achieves a gauge factor of 3.1 over 10–100% strain and enables the reliable recognition of human joint movements and gestures. The capacitive pressure sensor delivers a sensitivity of 0.298 kPa⁻¹, rapid response/recovery times of 30/10 ms, and is integrated with a wireless module to control a smart car. Furthermore, the PAM-based triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) delivers excellent electrical outputs (V_oc = 123 V, I_sc = 0.52 μA, Q_sc = 58 nC) and functions as a self-powered smart handwriting pad, achieving a machine-learning-based recognition accuracy of 97.6%. This work demonstrates the immense potential of the PAM organogel for advanced, self-powered HMIs. Full article

A nanostructured sensing platform based on electrospun functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes/poly(3-aminobenzylamine) (FMWCNTs/P3ABA) was developed for the electrochemical detection of dopamine (DA) on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass substrate. The electrochemical characteristics of the electrodes were investigated by chronocoulometry (CC) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) in phosphate-buffered saline solution containing K₃[Fe(CN)₆] as a redox mediator. The zeta potential analysis confirmed the presence of a stable surface charge that favors electrostatic interaction with DA molecules. The DA detection was performed in human urine by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) over a potential of −0.2 to 0.8 V and at scan rate of 5 mV s⁻¹, where the FMWCNTs/P3ABA nanofiber electrode exhibited a high sensitivity of 1.502 µA cm⁻² nM⁻¹, a linear detection range of 10–500 nM (R² = 0.992), and a limit of detection of 1.753 nM. The sensor exhibited stable and reproducible responses, and the fibrous composite effectively discriminated DA from common electroactive interferents, including ascorbic acid, uric acid, creatinine, and glucose. Furthermore, reliable dopamine quantification in human urine samples demonstrates the strong potential of the electrospun FMWCNTs/P3ABA composite nanofiber platform for practical bioanalytical and non-invasive sensing applications in the future. Full article

Background and Objectives: Postoperative pain and intra-abdominal adhesions are common complications following surgery. Pain delays early mobilization, whereas adhesions can lead to bowel obstruction, chronic pain, or infertility. Current treatments, including systemic analgesics and physical barrier methods, are only partially effective. We hypothesized that combining these modalities would yield superior outcomes. Accordingly, we investigated whether a lidocaine-loaded alginate–carboxymethyl cellulose–polyethylene oxide (ACPE) electrospun film could more effectively reduce both postoperative pain and adhesion formation than either component alone. Materials and Methods: An electrospun nanofiber film composed of ACPE containing lidocaine was prepared. Its effects were evaluated in rats using an incisional pain and a peritoneal adhesion model. Four groups were compared: saline control, free lidocaine, drug-free ACPE film, and lidocaine-loaded ACPE film. Fifteen rats were allocated to each group. The primary outcome was the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) after plantar incision, while secondary outcomes included histological changes and adhesion scores assessed by the Moreno system. Results: The lidocaine–ACPE film significantly increased MWT compared with all other groups, demonstrating a stronger and longer-lasting analgesic effect than free lidocaine. Adhesion scores were also lowest in the film group. Histological analysis confirmed a reduction in inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen deposition. Conclusions: A lidocaine-loaded ACPE nanofiber film effectively reduced both postoperative pain and adhesion formation in a rodent model. The combination of sustained local drug release and physical barrier function provides a promising strategy to address two major postoperative complications. Further preclinical studies are warranted before clinical application. Full article

In the present work, the elastic modulus of several types of polymer nanocomposites has been analyzed with a semiempirical model which takes into consideration agglomerate formation and their impact on the nanocomposites’ mechanical performance. The nanocomposites under investigation were either hybrids with a combination of graphene oxide (GO) with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) or carbon nanofibers (CNFs) at various loadings, or monofillers with varying nanoparticle sizes, at a constant nanofiller loading. In addition, the effect of the type of polymeric matrix on the same nanofiller combinations has been examined. The basic assumption of two phases, namely a matrix with finely dispersed nanoparticles coexisting with agglomerates, was analyzed. The elastic stiffness of the first phase was calculated by the Mori–Tanaka model, and hereafter a semiempirical model was utilized for the estimation of the agglomerates’ stiffness. Within the context of this model, it was shown that the agglomerates’ volume fraction, combined with the nanoparticles’ density, namely the nanoparticles’ volume fraction in the agglomerates and consequently the inclusions’/agglomerates’ enhanced modulus, may cause a substantial improvement in the Young’s modulus, which cannot be explained by conventional mechanical models. These results apply to both nanocomposite types, hybrids at various nanofiller loadings and monofillers with varying particle sizes. Full article

To address inherent limitations of chitosan-based edible films, including inadequate mechanical strength and poor moisture resistance, cellulose nanofibers (CNF) were employed as a synergistic film-forming component to partially substitute chitosan in the fabrication of ternary composite films (denoted as CSTF-CNFs). This approach was based on a previously developed chitosan matrix modified with tannin-Fe³⁺ nanoparticles (TF). It was hypothesized that CNF could function as a reinforcing scaffold to improve the dispersion of TF within the film matrix and, through hydrogen bonding and physical entanglement, form an interpenetrating fiber network with chitosan, thereby enhancing the structural and barrier properties of the films. The present study systematically evaluated the influence of varying CNF substitution ratios (0–30%) on the physicochemical characteristics of the resulting composite films and their performance in tomato preservation. The results demonstrated that an appropriate CNF incorporation facilitated the formation of a dense, cross-linked network with chitosan and TF via hydrogen bond interactions, significantly improving both mechanical strength and water resistance. Among all formulations, the CSTF-CNF20 film exhibited optimal comprehensive performance, achieving the highest tensile strength of 27.60 MPa. Moreover, its swelling ratio markedly decreased from 675.5% (CSTF-CNF0) to 120.9%, while the water contact angle increased to 113.7°, and the DPPH radical scavenging activity remained above 85%. Tomato preservation assays revealed that, in comparison with the untreated control and polyethylene film-wrapped groups, the application of CSTF-CNF20 coating effectively mitigated the decline in weight loss and firmness, preserved surface color integrity, and resulted in the highest L* value alongside the lowest soluble solids content. These findings suggest that the synergistic integration of CNF with nano-scale metal–phenolic networks offers a viable strategy for developing high-performance chitosan-based edible films. The CSTF-CNF20 composite film holds significant promise for application in the postharvest preservation of fruits and vegetables. 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

To enhance the mechanical properties and waterproof performance of polymer–cement (JS) waterproof coatings, cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) were surface-modified using vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES). The modified cellulose nanofibrils (m-CNFs) were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). JS waterproof coatings incorporating m-CNFs were subsequently prepared. The performance and mechanism were systematically evaluated using the tensile strength, bonding strength, water absorption, contact angle, permeability test, durability test, scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The results indicated that the coating exhibited optimal performance when 1 wt% m-CNFs were incorporated. Under this condition, the tensile strength and bonding strength increased by 33.8% and 9.8%, respectively, while the 7-day water absorption decreased by 72.9%. The contact angle reached 97.1°, and the durability of the coating was also improved. Moreover, the amphiphilic nature introduced by silane modification effectively improved the interfacial adhesion between the organic and inorganic phases within the coating. In addition, due to their water absorption capacity, m-CNFs fill the micropores of the coating during the curing process and produce an internal curing effect, thereby reducing the porosity of the material. As a result of these synergistic effects, the mechanical strength and hydrophobicity of the JS waterproof coating are significantly enhanced. This study expands the application of CNFs, a sustainable nanomaterial, in building waterproofing materials. Full article

Chitosan, owing to its abundant amino and hydroxyl functional groups, serves as an effective biosorbent for the removal of toxic metal(loid) ions from water. This review summarizes recent advances in chitosan-based adsorbents specifically for arsenate (As(V)) and copper ions (Cu(II)), with an emphasis on adsorption mechanisms and electrospun nanofiber technologies. A conceptual “charge adaptation–structure synergy” model is proposed to elucidate the distinct adsorption behaviors of chitosan toward anionic and cationic substances: under acidic conditions, As(V) adsorption is dominated by electrostatic attraction to protonated amino groups, whereas at pH values near or above the pKa, Cu(II) removal proceeds via synergistic chelation involving deprotonated amino and hydroxyl groups. Competitive and synergistic interactions in binary systems, particularly between As(V) and coexisting anions such as phosphate, are also discussed. Notably, the kinetic advantages of electrospun chitosan nanofibers are highlighted, with equilibrium times shortened from several hours to approximately 0.5–2.6 h. Key challenges and future research directions are further discussed, including scalable manufacturing and the treatment of complex wastewater matrices. Full article