Search Results (1,069)

Icing phenomena on wind turbine blades and components are a major problem, causing downtimes that increase maintenance costs, reducing the blade’s lifespan, or in severe cases, even leading to component damage. A nanofiber-based bi-layer liquid-infused surface (BLIS) coating was prepared and characterized, combining good adhesion to wind turbine blades with low ice adhesion. The BLIS coating was produced by a new method combining electrospinning and a heat treatment step, containing a poly ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate (PECA)-based adhesive layer, a slippery layer of poly vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene (PVDF-HFP) copolymer, and an infiltrated perfluoropolyether lubricant. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to ensure the thermal stability of the polymers in the nanofiber coating layers and to optimize the heat treatment process of the layers. Microstructural changes were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and surface roughness measurements. Contact angle measurements and sliding velocity tests on wind turbine blade segments at icing conditions of 0 °C and +5 °C indicate that the water sliding properties of the BLIS coating were improved compared to uncoated blades. In addition, coated blade segments showed a 50% lower ice adhesion strength than uncoated blades. Full article

Electrospun sulfonated polyketone (PK) nanofiber membranes were prepared to investigate the sulfonation-time-dependent structure–property relationships of hydrocarbon-based polymer electrolyte membranes for PEMFC (Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell) applications. NaCl addition to the electrospinning solution increased solution conductivity and enabled the formation of uniform PK nanofibers with an average diameter of approximately 270 nm. Subsequent sulfonation introduced sulfonic-acid-related groups into the PK nanofiber framework, and the resulting membrane properties were strongly governed by sulfonation time. Among the tested membranes, PK-NC16 exhibited the highest proton conductivity of 0.107 ± 0.031 S cm⁻¹ and an ion exchange capacity of 2.82 m_eq g⁻¹, exceeding or comparable to those of Nafion 115 under the tested conditions. FTIR-based analysis indicated that the relative sulfonation index increased up to 16 h, whereas extended sulfonation for 24 h generated additional sulfone/sulfonate-related bands, suggesting possible side reactions or structural changes under prolonged acid treatment. The high water uptake of PK-NC16 enhanced proton transport but also revealed a hydration-sensitive polymer network, as reflected by a voltage degradation rate of approximately −590 μV h⁻¹ during a 100 h short-term stability constant-current test. These results demonstrate that sulfonation time is a key parameter controlling the balance among ionic functionality, hydration, mechanical response, proton conductivity, and PEMFC-relevant single-cell performance in electrospun PK nanofiber membranes. 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

Background: Thymoquinone (TQ), a bioactive compound derived from Nigella sativa L., exhibits promising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties; however, its clinical application is limited by poor solubility and instability. Methods: In this study, three electrospun nanofiber systems based on different polymeric matrices, PVP (N1), PVP/HPβCD (N2), and PVP/PCL (N3), were developed as potential wound dressing materials for controlled TQ delivery. Results: All formulations produced uniform nanofibrous structures with TQ molecularly dispersed within the polymer matrix, as confirmed by SEM, XRPD, and FTIR analyses. The composition of the nanofibers significantly influenced their physicochemical and functional properties. The N2 system, containing hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD), exhibited the smallest fiber diameter (~208 nm), the fastest drug release, and enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity due to improved TQ solubility. In contrast, the N3 system, incorporating polycaprolactone (PCL), formed thicker fibers (~1089 nm) and demonstrated sustained release behavior, the highest mucoadhesion, and the most pronounced wound-healing effect (90% closure after 24 h). Stability studies revealed that HPβCD significantly improved TQ resistance to thermal, humidity, and photolytic degradation, whereas the PVP-based system without stabilizers showed the lowest stability. Principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed that nanofiber performance is governed by two key factors: drug availability and sustained release combined with bioadhesion. Importantly, wound-healing efficiency correlated more strongly with the latter. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that rational design of polymer composition enables modulation of TQ delivery and biological response. Among the tested systems, PVP/PCL nanofibers appear to be the most promising candidates for wound-dressing applications due to their ability to provide sustained drug release and enhance tissue regeneration. Full article

Cervical cancer continues to require more precise and clinically adaptable local treatment strategies, particularly in the face of insufficient drug accumulation at the lesion site, systemic toxicity of conventional chemotherapy, limited development of postoperative tissue-interfacing platforms, and the anatomical constraints of standard radiotherapy devices. In this mini-review, we summarize the current landscape of polymer-based biomaterials for local therapy in cervical cancer from both materials and clinical perspectives. Specifically, we discuss three interconnected application domains: local drug delivery systems, polymeric scaffolds and tissue-interfacing platforms, and 3D-printed radiotherapy devices. Recent studies indicate that polymer-based local delivery systems, including nanofiber- and hydrogel-based formulations, can improve cervicovaginal retention, controlled release, and local therapeutic exposure. Scaffold-based systems further extend the role of biomaterials by combining sustained local delivery with defect-specific support and tissue interaction, whereas 3D-printed radiotherapy devices contribute primarily through precision enablement, individualized implantation guidance, and improved conformity in anatomically challenging cases. Despite these advances, most available studies remain preclinical or early translational, and important barriers persist in long-term safety, standardization, clinically relevant validation, and workflow integration. Future progress will depend on application-specific design, stronger translational rigor, and closer integration of biomaterials, imaging, and personalized clinical practice. Full article

Dynamic interactions among cells, including immune cells, stromal cells, endothelial cells, epithelial cells, and extracellular matrix (ECM) components, are involved in the wound healing process. In chronic wounds, particularly diabetic wounds, these interactions are hampered by prolonged inflammation and excessive reactive oxygen species generation by dysregulated immune cells, bacterial infection, and impaired angiogenesis. These pathological features have shifted the therapeutic strategies from wound coverage and antimicrobial protection toward regulation of the immune microenvironment. Polymeric and hybrid materials have emerged as promising platforms for this purpose because their versatile composition, structure, degradation behavior, mechanical properties, and drug loading capacities can be widely engineered to match the dynamic requirements of wound healing, particularly in immunomodulation strategies. In this review, we focus on the major immunological barriers and potential targets in the wound healing process using polymer-based materials. Overall, this review covers recent advances, design strategies, and challenges in immunomodulatory materials including polymer-based nanoparticles, nanofibers, hydrogels, and hybrid materials for wound repair. 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

The production of cultivated meat relies on in vitro animal cell growth and requires the use of scaffolds that structurally resemble key features of the extracellular matrix (ECM), providing mechanical support and biochemical cues for cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Electrospinning has emerged as a promising technique for manufacturing three-dimensional edible scaffolds because it is robust, versatile, and capable of producing nanofibers with a high surface area-to-volume ratio, tunable porosity, and ECM-like fibrous architectures. Natural biopolymers are promising candidates for the fabrication of electrospun scaffolds, combining biocompatibility, biodegradability, and processing compatibility with food-grade requirements. However, the absence of fully food-grade electrospinning systems, coupled with limited scalable green-processing strategies, remains a critical barrier to industrial translation. In this context, this review presents recent advances in the food-grade electrospinning of natural biopolymers focused on cultivated meat production. Furthermore, scientific gaps in the development of fully edible scaffolds are discussed, along with the need for alternatives to animal-derived materials and synthetic carrier polymers, considering sustainability, consumer acceptance, and the translation from laboratory-scale studies to industrial systems. Finally, this review outlines a strategic roadmap to accelerate the transition from proof-of-concept studies toward scalable, regulatory-compliant, and industrially viable electrospinning technologies for cultivated meat production. 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

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

Electrospinning is a versatile technique for producing polymer nanofibers with high ratios of surface area to volume and tunable porosity. Conventional approach to the optimization of processing parameters such as voltage and flow rate frequently encounters limitations in reproducibility and scalability. This review proposes a comprehensive framework that integrates macromolecular design principles with established electrohydrodynamic theories. We analyze how intrinsic molecular traits, specifically chain entanglement density, molecular weight distribution (MWD), topological architecture, and polymer–solvent thermodynamic interactions, define the boundaries of jet stability and solidification. Key findings highlight that while molecular weight establishes a baseline for spinnability, the MWD dictates the dynamic response under extreme deformation. Notably, high-molecular-weight fractions act as elastic load-bearers that suppress capillary breakup. Furthermore, we discuss here how molecular architecture and solvent-mediated segmental mobility determine whether molecular orientation is kinetically trapped or relaxed during the nanosecond timescales of jet flight. By establishing a hierarchical design logic prioritizing molecular and formulation variables over processing parameters, this framework provides a robust strategy to overcome challenges in scalability and reproducibility, positioning electrospinning as a sensitive probe for macromolecular dynamics under extreme elongation. Full article

The practical application of inorganic ferroelectric fillers in flexible piezoelectric composites is critically constrained by low polarization efficiency and severe interfacial incompatibility with polymer matrices. Herein, we report a multi-level in situ surface modification strategy that simultaneously addresses both limitations. High-purity one-dimensional tetragonal barium titanate nanofibers (BTO NFs) are first synthesized via sol–gel electrospinning combined with a two-step gradient annealing process, which precisely controls phase evolution and preserves structural continuity. To overcome the detrimental acid-induced degradation of BTO NFs during functionalization, a polydopamine (PDA) buffer layer is first conformally coated, followed by the liquid-phase deposition of a conductive polypyrrole (PPy) shell, forming a robust core–shell PPy@PBT NFs architecture. Incorporating only 4 wt% of these multifunctional fillers into a poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) matrix yields a dramatic enhancement in electromechanical performance. The resulting flexible piezoelectric energy harvesters achieve a piezoelectric coefficient (d₃₃) of 28.7 pC/N, an output voltage of 13 V, and an output current of 0.7 μA, representing substantial improvements over unmodified filler systems. This synergistic enhancement originates from the PDA-mediated interfacial stress transfer and the PPy-induced Maxwell–Wagner polarization intensification, establishing a robust and generalizable paradigm for high-performance flexible piezoelectric composites in self-powered wearable electronics. Full article

This study investigated mechanical properties of composite materials consisting of an isotactic polypropylene (iPP) matrix reinforced with whisker-like fillers: carbon nanofibers (CBNF) and wollastonite (WN). We strove to develop mechanical models specifically for predicting yield stress and fracture toughness. Experimentally obtained results validated findings obtained using the proposed models. Regarding the elastic modulus, data suggest that conventional rules of mixture, typically used for glass fiber-reinforced polymers, remain applicable, indicating that filler addition enhances stiffness in a predictable manner. However, yield stress and fracture toughness exhibited distinct behaviors. Results revealed that these properties are governed predominantly by shear yielding of the iPP matrix rather than reinforcement effect of the fillers. Despite the presence of whiskers, the overall yield and fracture mechanisms depend heavily on the matrix’s plastic deformation and energy dissipation. The constructed models consistently explain these findings, supporting quantitative evaluation of the matrix’s contribution. These results emphasize that developing high-performance iPP composites requires knowledge of the intrinsic ductile properties of the matrix alongside filler selection and dispersion. Full article