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Applied Sciences
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Electrospun Polymeric Nanofibers Exploring Their Potential in Advanced Applications
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Electrospun Polymeric Nanofibers Exploring Their Potential in Advanced Applications

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanotechnology and Applied Nanosciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 December 2022) | Viewed by 16986

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Diana Ferreira

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Guest Editor
Centre for Textile Science and Technology (2C2T), University of Minho, 4710-057 Guimaraes, Portugal
Interests: CBRN protective materials; nanofibers; natural fibers; functionalization of fibrous structures; synthesis of nanoparticles; piezoresistive materials; localized drug delivery systems; wound dressing systems; photodynamic therapy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Raul Fangueiro

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Minho, Minho, Portugal
Interests: fiber-based materials, nanofibers produced by electrospinning; multiscale composites, functionally graded composites; composites for defense
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Seeram Ramakrishna

grade E-Mail Website1 Website2
Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
Interests: circular economy; sustainability; energy; biomaterials; nanofibers
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Electrospinning is a very simple, accurate and versatile technique that allows the production of fibers with controllable diameters ranging from micrometers to nanometers. Over the years, electrospinning became popular for the development of micro/nano fibers with different morphologies, patterns and functionalities, using a variety of materials (e.g. polymers, ceramics and metals). In fact, this technique started to receive increasing attention not only within scientific community but also in industries due to its great potential of application in several advanced areas. Currently and due to the recent pandemic, electrospun nanofibers membranes can play an important role regarding the strong need and demand of personal protection systems with increase filtration efficiency against the airborne virus. Although this application, electrospun nanofibers emerges as strong solutions for other several advanced applications such as: drug delivery, wound dressing, cancer therapy, cosmetics, water and air filtration, protective clothing, sensing, photovoltaic cells, fuel cells, power generation, among others.

Besides the production of nanofibers using biodegradable and natural polymers, the last trend includes the production of advanced electrospun fibers using natural compounds extracted from marine and industrial wastes (textile industry, paper manufacturing) like chitosan, alginates, nanocellulose, etc.

Hence, the aim of this Special Issue is to publish original research and review articles that address these topics and include advances, trends, challenges, and future perspectives regarding synthetic routes, structural features, properties, behaviors, and industrial or scientific applications of electrospun nanofibers in established and emerging areas.

Dr. Diana Ferreira
Prof. Raul Fangueiro
Prof. Seeram Ramakrishna
Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • nanofibers production by electrospinning (including needleless electrospinning, co-axial, etc)
  • core-shell nanofibers
  • functionalization of nanofibers
  • nanofiber based composites
  • natural based and biopolymeric nanofibers
  • nanofibers produced using extracted compounds from natural and industrial waste (textile industry, marine compounds, etc)
  • nanofibrous membranes for catalysis and filtering applications (wastewater treatment, air filtration, specially face masks)
  • personal protective equipment based on nanofibers membranes
  • wound dressing systems and localized drug delivery systems composed by nanofibers
  • nanofibrous sensors

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 14112 KiB  
Article
Antibacterial and Biodegradable Electrospun Filtering Membranes for Facemasks: An Attempt to Reduce Disposable Masks Use
by Sofia M. Costa, Luísa Pacheco, Wilson Antunes, Ricardo Vieira, Nuno Bem, Pilar Teixeira, Raul Fangueiro and Diana P. Ferreira
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(1), 67; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12010067 - 22 Dec 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2664
Abstract
Due to the prevalence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for disposable facemasks has become a global issue. Unfortunately, the use of these products has negative effects on the environment, and therefore, the use of biodegradable materials is a powerful strategy to overcome [...] Read more.
Due to the prevalence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for disposable facemasks has become a global issue. Unfortunately, the use of these products has negative effects on the environment, and therefore, the use of biodegradable materials is a powerful strategy to overcome this challenge. Aligned with this concept, in this work, biodegradable facemasks were developed using poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) polymer and cotton natural fibers. The filter layer was produced using an electrospinning technique, since electrospun membranes present remarkable characteristics for air filtration. The electrospun membranes were functionalized with different nanoparticles (NPs), including silver (Ag), titanium dioxide (TiO2) and magnesium oxide (MgO), in order to include new properties, namely antibacterial effect. The developed membranes were characterized by FESEM, EDS, ATR-FTIR, GSDR and TGA, which confirmed the successful impregnation of NPs onto PCL membranes. The antibacterial effect and filtration efficiency were assessed, with the PCL/MgO NPs membrane presenting better results, showing inhibition zone diameters of 25.3 and 13.5 mm against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, respectively, and filtration efficiency of 99.4%. Three facemask prototypes were developed, and their filtration efficiency, air permeability and thermal comfort were evaluated. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of PCL/NPs electrospun membranes to act as an active and biodegradable filter layer in facemasks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrospun Polymeric Nanofibers Exploring Their Potential in Advanced Applications)
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13 pages, 3210 KiB  
Article
Numerical Infeasibilities of Nanofibrous Mats Process Design
by Marlena Drąg
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(23), 11488; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app112311488 - 03 Dec 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 987
Abstract
A new computer-aided method to design electrospun, nanofibrous mats was implemented and tested. In this work, the standard nonlinear algebraic model led to the terminal fiber diameter FD being examined in detail. The analysis was performed in terms of numerical feasibility. The [...] Read more.
A new computer-aided method to design electrospun, nanofibrous mats was implemented and tested. In this work, the standard nonlinear algebraic model led to the terminal fiber diameter FD being examined in detail. The analysis was performed in terms of numerical feasibility. The study specified the limit value of the axial length scale, parameter χ, that determined valid solutions. The presented approach has vast practical potential (i.e., biomedical applications, air/water purification systems, fire protection and solar industries). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrospun Polymeric Nanofibers Exploring Their Potential in Advanced Applications)
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14 pages, 1761 KiB  
Article
An In Vitro Study of Antibacterial Properties of Electrospun Hypericum perforatum Oil-Loaded Poly(lactic Acid) Nonwovens for Potential Biomedical Applications
by Ayben Pakolpakçıl, Zbigniew Draczyński, Justyna Szulc, Dawid Stawski, Nina Tarzyńska, Anna Bednarowicz, Dominik Sikorski, Cesar Hernandez, Sławomir Sztajnowski, Izabella Krucińska and Beata Gutarowska
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(17), 8219; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11178219 - 04 Sep 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3493
Abstract
The growth of population and increase in diseases that cause an enormous demand for biomedical material consumption is a pointer to the pressing need to develop new sustainable biomaterials. Electrospun materials derived from green polymers have gained popularity in recent years for biomedical [...] Read more.
The growth of population and increase in diseases that cause an enormous demand for biomedical material consumption is a pointer to the pressing need to develop new sustainable biomaterials. Electrospun materials derived from green polymers have gained popularity in recent years for biomedical applications such as tissue engineering, wound dressings, and drug delivery. Among the various bioengineering materials used in the synthesis of a biodegradable polymer, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) has received the most attention from researchers. Hypericum perforatum oil (HPO) has antimicrobial activity against a variety of bacteria. This study aimed to investigate the development of an antibacterial sustainable material based on PLA by incorporating HPO via a simple, low-cost electrospinning method. Chemical, morphological, thermal, thickness and, air permeability properties, and in vitro antibacterial activity of the electrospun nonwoven fabric were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the morphology of the electrospun nonwoven fabric, which had bead-free morphology ultrafine fibers. Antibacterial tests revealed that the Hypericum perforatum oil-loaded poly(lactic acid) nonwoven fabrics obtained had high antibacterial efficiency against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, indicating a strong potential for use in biomedical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrospun Polymeric Nanofibers Exploring Their Potential in Advanced Applications)
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21 pages, 7498 KiB  
Article
Electrospun PVP/PVA Nanofiber Mat as a Novel Potential Transdermal Drug-Delivery System for Buprenorphine: A Solution Needed for Pain Management
by Fatemeh Rahmani, Hakimeh Ziyadi, Mitra Baghali, Hongrong Luo and Seeram Ramakrishna
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(6), 2779; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11062779 - 19 Mar 2021
Cited by 36 | Viewed by 5193
Abstract
Over the past several decades, the formulation of novel nanofiber-based drug-delivery systems has been a frequent focus of scientists around the world. Aiming to introduce a novel nanofibrous transdermal drug-delivery system to treat pain, the nanofiber mats of buprenorphine-loaded poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (Bup/PVP) [...] Read more.
Over the past several decades, the formulation of novel nanofiber-based drug-delivery systems has been a frequent focus of scientists around the world. Aiming to introduce a novel nanofibrous transdermal drug-delivery system to treat pain, the nanofiber mats of buprenorphine-loaded poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (Bup/PVP) and buprenorphine-loaded poly(vinyl alcohol)/poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (Bup/PVP/PVA) were successfully fabricated by the electrospinning process for transdermal drug delivery. Similarly, PVP and PVP/PVA nanofibers were fabricated in the same conditions for comparison. The viscosity and electrical conductivity of all electrospinning solutions were measured, and nanofiber mats were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and contact angle analysis. The conductivity of PVP and PVP/PVA solutions showed a considerable increase by the addition of buprenorphine due to the polarity of buprenorphine. SEM images showed a smooth, fine and porous nanofibrous structure without any adhesion or knot for all of the samples. The contact angle analysis showed the increased hydrophilicity and wettability of PVP/PVA and Bup/PVP/PVA nanofibers compared to PVP and Bup/PVP nanofibers which can be attributed to the addition of PVA. Attenuated total reflectance (ATR) FT-IR results confirmed that the electrospinning process did not affect the chemical integrity of the drug. For the modification of the drug release rate, the cross-linking of nanofiber mats was carried out using glutaraldehyde. Drug release measurements using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis demonstrated that Bup/PVP/PVA nanofibers exhibited better physical and chemical properties compared to Bup/PVP. Furthermore, the cross-linking of nanofibers led to an increase in drug release time. Thus, the novel buprenorphine-loaded nanofibers can be efficient biomaterial patches for transdermal delivery against pain improving carrier retention and providing a controlled release of the drug. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrospun Polymeric Nanofibers Exploring Their Potential in Advanced Applications)
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Review

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21 pages, 4995 KiB  
Review
Fibers by Electrospinning and Their Emerging Applications in Bone Tissue Engineering
by Chuqun Yang, Qi Shao, Yulai Han, Qingxia Liu, Liang He, Qian Sun and Shuangchen Ruan
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(19), 9082; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11199082 - 29 Sep 2021
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3095
Abstract
Bone tissue engineering (BTE) is an optimized approach for bone regeneration to overcome the disadvantages of lacking donors. Biocompatibility, biodegradability, simulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), and excellent mechanical properties are essential characteristics of BTE scaffold, sometimes including drug loading capacity. Electrospinning is a [...] Read more.
Bone tissue engineering (BTE) is an optimized approach for bone regeneration to overcome the disadvantages of lacking donors. Biocompatibility, biodegradability, simulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), and excellent mechanical properties are essential characteristics of BTE scaffold, sometimes including drug loading capacity. Electrospinning is a simple technique to prepare fibrous scaffolds because of its efficiency, adaptability, and flexible preparation of electrospinning solution. Recent studies about electrospinning in BTE are summarized in this review. First, we summarized various types of polymers used in electrospinning and methods of electrospinning in recent work. Then, we divided them into three parts according to their main role in BTE, (1) ECM simulation, (2) mechanical support, and (3) drug delivery system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrospun Polymeric Nanofibers Exploring Their Potential in Advanced Applications)
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