Cyclodextrin short-nanofibers using sacrificial electrospun polymeric matrix for VOC removal

Cyclodextrins (CD) are cyclic oligosaccharides that can form noncovalent host–guest inclusion complexes to yield intriguing supramolecular structures. Electrospinning of nanofibers from CD is challenging since they are small molecules, nonetheless, electrospun nanofibers from CD would be particularly attractive because of the distinctive properties obtained by combining the very large surface area of nanofibers along with the inclusion complexation capability of CD. Herein, we performed the electrospinning of native CD type (i.e. γ-CD) using a minimal amount of carrier polymeric matrix (polyethylene oxide (PEO)). Once, the uniform nanofibers were electrospun from γ-CD/PEO systems, the polymeric carrier matrix was selectively removed by simple washing procedure, at the end, γ-CD short-nanofibers were obtained. We observed that γ-CD short-nanofibers could remove volatile organic compounds (VOC) (i.e. aniline) due to the inclusion complexation capability whereas pristine γ-CD powder could not have the capability for the VOC removal.     

Influence of Chitosan Molecular Weight and Poly(ethylene oxide): Chitosan Proportion on Fabrication of Chitosan Based Electrospun Nanofibers

Fabrication of electrospun chitosan nanofibers is still a controversial issue in publications. Although regarding the lots of reports, mixtures of chitosan with a hydrophilic synthetic polymer such as polyethylene oxide (PEO) have been electrospun successfully, abundance of partly contradictory protocols in which one variable has been surveyed in each study is unfortunately baffling. In the present study, influence of three considerable parameters including the average molecular weight of chitosan, chitosan solution concentration and the mass ratio of polyethylene oxide to chitosan at the mixtures on electrospinning possibility as well as the quality of as-spun fibers is investigated. Eventually, the necessities for obtaining the best results are introduced followed by further analysis of optimized nanofibers using atomic force microscopy. According to our results, the blend solutions prepared from the low molecular weight (LMW) chitosan and PEO are efficient for reproducible production of bead-free electrospun nanofibers even in low proportion of polyethylene oxide.     

Electrospinning of polymer-free nanofibers from cyclodextrin inclusion complexes

The electrospinning of polymer-free nanofibers from highly concentrated (160%, w/v) aqueous solutions of hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) and its inclusion complexes with triclosan (HPβCD/triclosan-IC) was achieved successfully. The dynamic light scattering (DLS) and rheology measurements indicated that the presence of considerable HPβCD aggregates and the high solution viscosity were the key factors in obtaining electrospun HPβCD and HPβCD/triclosan-IC nanofibers without the use of any polymeric carrier. The HPβCD and HPβCD/triclosan-IC solutions containing 20% (w/w) urea yielded no fibers but only beads and splashes because of the depression of the self-aggregation of the HPβCD. The inclusion complexation of triclosan with HPβCD was studied by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and turbidity measurements. The characteristics of the HPβCD and HPβCD/triclosan-IC nanofibers were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It was found that the electrospinning of HPβCD/triclosan-IC solution having a 1:1 molar ratio was optimal for obtaining nanofibers without any uncomplexed guest molecules.     

Atmospheric plasma treatment of pre‐electrospinning polymer solution: A feasible method to improve electrospinnability

The electrospinnability of polyethylene oxide (PEO) was manipulated by atmospheric plasma treatment of pre‐electrospinning solutions. Conductivity, viscosity, and surface tension of PEO solutions increased after plasma treatment, and the plasma effect remained longer when the solution concentrate increased. Both untreated and treated solutions were then electrospun, and the morphology of the resultant nanofibers was observed by SEM. Atmospheric plasma treatment improved the electrospinnability of PEO solutions and led to less beads and finer diameter distribution in the resultant nanofibers. Additionally, plasma treatment of the pre‐electrospinning solutions affected the crystal structure of resultant nanofibers. These results suggest that atmospheric plasma treatment is a feasible approach to improve the electrospinnability of polymer solutions and can used to control the structure of electrospun nanofibers. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011     

Single-walled carbon nanotubes embedded in oriented polymeric nanofibers by electrospinning

The electrospinning process was used successfully to embed single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) in a poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) matrix, forming composite nanofibers. Initial dispersion of SWCNTs in water was achieved by the use of an amphiphilic alternating copolymer of styrene and sodium maleate. The resulting dispersions were stable, having a dark, smooth, ink-like appearance. For electrospinning, the dispersions were mixed with PEO solution in an ethanol/water mixture. The distribution and conformation of the nanotubes in the nanofibers were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Oxygen plasma etching was used to expose the nanotubes within the nanofibers to facilitate direct observation. Nanotube alignment within the nanofibers was shown to depend strongly on the quality of the initial dispersions. Well-dispersed and separated nanotubes were embedded in a straight and aligned form, while entangled nonseparated nanotubes were incorporated as dense aggregates. X-ray diffraction demonstrated a high degree of orientation of the PEO crystals in the electrospun nanofibers with embedded SWCNTs. This result is in pronounced distinction to the detrimental effect of incorporation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes on polymer orientation in electrospun nanofibers, as reported previously.     

Effects of poly(ethylene oxide) and pH on the electrospinning of whey protein isolate

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) is known for facilitating the electrospinning of biopolymer solutions, which are otherwise not electrospinnable. The objective of this study was to improve the understanding of the positive effects of PEO on the electrospinning of whey protein isolate (WPI) solutions under different pH conditions. Alterations in protein secondary structure and polymer solution properties (viscosity, conductivity, and dynamic surface tension), as induced by pH changes, significantly affected the electrospinning behavior of WPI/PEO (10% w/w: 0.4% w/w PEO) solutions. Acidic solutions resulted in smooth fibers (707 ± 105 nm) while neutral solutions produced spheres (2.0 ± 1.0 μm) linked with ultrafine fibers (138 ± 32 nm). In comparison, alkaline solutions produced fibers (191 ± 36 nm) that were embedded with spindle‐like beads (1.0 ± 0.5 μm). ¹³C NMR and FTIR spectroscopies showed that the increase in random coil and α‐helix secondary structures in WPI were the main contributors to the formation of bead‐less electrospun fibers. The electrospinning‐enabling properties of PEO on aqueous WPI solutions were attributed to physical chain entanglement between the two polymers, rather than specific polymer–polymer interactions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2012     

Electrospun poly(ethylene oxide)/chitosan nanofibers with cellulose nanocrystals as support for cell culture of 3T3 fibroblasts

Chitosan/poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) (5:1) nanofibers with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were produced using an electrospinning technique. The addition of CNCs to the chitosan/PEO solutions allowed the production of uniform fibers (without beads) with a high proportion of chitosan. The fiber diameters were influenced by the concentration of CNCs in the chitosan/PEO solutions. The solutions containing 10% (w/w) of CNCs produced thinner fibers compared to solutions containing 5% (w/w) of CNCs. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the nanofibers were thermally stable, despite the CNCs having an effect on the PEO decomposition. Results from the cell assay in cultures of 3T3 fibroblasts indicated that the chitosan/PEO nanofibers (with 10% CNCs) promoted cell attachment with changes in the cytoskeletal organization. The results obtained in this work highlight the favorable effect of CNCs in electrospinning of chitosan/PEO. As expected, the influence of nanofibers on 3T3 fibroblasts F-actin and β-tubulin network revealed alterations in cytoskeleton, leading to changes in cell morphology and spreading.     

Electrospinning of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)-iodine complex and poly(ethylene oxide)/poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)-iodine complex - a prospective route to antimicrobial wound dressing materials

New nanofibers containing poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)-iodine complex (PVP-iodine) were obtained by electrospinning in order to prepare materials suitable for wound dressings. Different approaches were used: a one-step method based on electrospinning of PVP-iodine or poly(ethylene oxide)/PVP-iodine solutions and a three-step method based on electrospinning of PVP or poly(ethylene oxide)/PVP mixed solutions followed by photo-mediated crosslinking of the obtained nanofibers and subsequent complexation with iodine. The average diameters of the fibers were in the range 150-470 nm depending on the composition and on the applied field strength (AFS) and increased with increasing the amount of PEO in the spinning solutions. Higher AFS resulted in greater fiber diameter and in size distribution broadening. Photo-mediated crosslinking in the presence of 4,4′-diazidostilbene-2,2′-disulfonic acid disodium salt successfully stabilized the electrospun PVP and PEO/PVP nanofibers against water and water vapor.     

Ag nanoparticle-embedded one-dimensional β-CD/PVP composite nanofibers prepared via electrospinning for use in antibacterial material

Ag nanoparticle-embedded one-dimensional β-CD (β-cyclodextrin)/PVP composite nanofibers were prepared using a one-step electrospinning technique. Ag nanoparticles were obtained in the AgNO₃/β-CD/DMF solution, in which silver nitrate been introduced as the precursor, DMF as solvent, β-CD as reducing and capping agent. After electrospinning of the composite solution at room temperature, the β-CD/PVP nanofibers containing Ag nanoparticles were obtained. The electrospun composite solution containning Ag nsnopsrticles were confirmed by UV-visible absorption spectra; the resulting composite nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy , transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Ag-β-CD/PVP nanofiber exhibits good antibacterial property for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Consequently, we propose that these Ag nanoparticle-embedded 1D-nanostructures prepared via electrospinning may be used as antibacterial material.     

Thermomechanical and structural characterization of polybutadiene/poly(ethylene oxide)/CNT stretchable electrospun fibrous membranes

It is difficult to produce rubbery polymer nanofibers, that is, polybutadiene, by the method of electrospinning, since during electrospinning rubbery polymer fibers join and entangles due to their low T_g. For this reason, it is not easy to achieve the fiber form out of these polymers. Homogeneously electrospun carbon nanotubes (CNT)‐filled polybutadiene (PBu) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) composite elastomeric fibers exhibit distinctive physical features such as uniform fiber diameter and distribution with significant improvements in thermomechanical properties. Controlled hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity with the components allows to generate homogenous, thermally stable and stretchable bio‐composite scaffold, and fibrous antibacterial membrane scaffolds out of PBu/PEO/CNT composite. We have combined the exciting properties of PEO with high pore density with the rubber elasticity of PBu via dissolving them in a dichloromethane/ethyl acetate organic solvent, and subsequently producing electrospun woven fibers with different PBu/PEO ratios. Frequency‐dependent thermomechanical characterization via dynamic mechanical analysis reveals pronounced changes in the onset and extent of melting, as well as the storage and loss modulus values at the onset of melting, in particular when small amounts (1.25% by wt%) of CNTs are present. The characteristic bands were detected for the PBu/PEO and PBu/PEO/CNT samples by means of Raman and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy. CNT addition increases the hydrophobicity via the increase in roughness as attained by atomic force microscopy.     

Electrospun poly(3‐hexylthiophene)/poly(ethylene oxide)/graphene oxide composite nanofibers: effects of graphene oxide reduction

In this article, we report on the production by electrospinning of P3HT/PEO, P3HT/PEO/GO, and P3HT/PEO/rGO nanofibers in which the filler is homogeneously dispersed and parallel oriented along the fibers axis. The effect of nanofillers' presence inside nanofibers and GO reduction was studied, in order to reveal the influence of the new hierarchical structure on the electrical conductivity and mechanical properties. An in‐depth characterization of the purity and regioregularity of the starting P3HT as well as the morphology and chemical structure of GO and rGO was carried out. The morphology of the electrospun nanofibers was examined by both scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The fibrous nanocomposites are also characterized by differential scanning calorimetry to investigate their chemical structure and polymer chains arrangements. Finally, the electrical conductivity of the electrospun fibers and the elastic modulus of the single fibers are evaluated using a four‐point probe method and atomic force microscopy nanoindentation, respectively. The electrospun materials crystallinity as well as the elastic modulus increase with the addition of the nanofillers while the electrical conductivity is positively influenced by the GO reduction. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Characterisation of the surface composition in electrospun nanowebs with static secondary ion mass spectrometry (S-SIMS)

Electrospinning is a recently rediscovered method to produce non-woven nanowebs of which the individual polymer fibres have diameters of 50-500 nm. Applications require specific functionalities to be present at the surface. The use of additives in the electrospun solution provides an elegant alternative to functionalised polymers. This study has focused on the use of the static secondary ion mass spectrometry (S-SIMS) to characterise the surface composition of nanofibres electrospun from acetone solutions containing 15% (w/w) of poly(?-caprolactone) (PCL, molecular weight 40,000) and 0-15 mol% (relative to PCL) cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). Specifically, the calibration of the relative signal intensities of structural ions from PCL and CTAB as a function of the local concentrations requires adequate reference samples to be prepared. In general, this step becomes a major bottleneck in nanoscale analysis. A relatively simple method using a combination of spincoating and hand barcoating of solutions has been developed. Its applicability and limitations for monitoring the surface enrichment of CTAB in PCL nanowebs are discussed.     

Preparation,characterization, and properties of nanofibers based on poly(vinylidene fluoride) and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane

Nanostructered nanofibers based on poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) have been prepared by electrospinning process. The starting solutions were prepared by dissolving both the system components in the mixture N,N‐dimethylacetamide/acetone. The characteristics of the fiber prepared, studied by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and wide angle X‐ray diffraction, have been compared with those of PVDF fibers. Morphological characterization has demonstrated the possibility to obtain defect‐free PVDF/POSS nanofibers by properly choosing the electrospinning conditions, such as voltage, polymer concentration, humidity, etc. Conversely, in the case of fibers based on the neat polymer, it was not possible to attain the complete elimination of beads in the electrospun nanofibers. The different behavior of the two types of solutions has been ascribed to silsesquioxane molecules, which, without influencing the solution viscosity or conductivity, favor the formation of uniform structures by decreasing the system surface tension. Concerning POSS distribution in the fibers, the morphological characterization of the electrospun films has shown a submicrometric dispersion of the silsesquioxane. It is relevant to underline that cast films, prepared by the same solutions, have been found to be characterized by POSS aggregation, thus demonstrating a scarce affinity between the two‐system components. Indeed, the peculiar solvent evaporation of the electrospun solution, which is much faster than that occurring during the cast process, prevents POSS aggregation, thus leading to the formation of nanofibers characterized by a silsesquioxane dispersion similar to that present in solution. Finally, the presence of POSS improves the electrospun film mechanical properties. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Double‐layered composite nanofibers and their mechanical performance

Continuous polymer nanofibers are available through electrospinning, but most have the same structure in their cross section. This article focuses on the fabrication and the structural and mechanical characterization of pencil‐like double‐layered composite nanofibers coaxially electrospun from solutions of two different biodegradable materials, i.e., gelatin and poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL). Transmission electron microscopy and water contact angle measurements confirmed that a gelatin inner fiber was wrapped with a PCL outer layer. Possible applications of such nanofibers include a controlled degradation rate when used as a medical device in human body. It has been found that the tensile performance of the composite nanofibers was better than those of both the pure constituent, i.e. gelatin and PCL, nanofibers alone. The ultimate strength and ultimate strain of the composite nanofibers with 7.5% w/v gelatin in the core and 10% w/v PCL as shell were at least 68% and 244% higher, respectively, than those of the same concentration pure gelatin and PCL nanofibers. Thus, a coaxial electrospinning technique as used in this article can be applicable, not only in developing functionalized nanofibers but also in elevating their mechanical property. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 2852–2861, 2005     

β-环糊精功能化聚丙烯腈纳米纤维的制备及对亚甲基蓝的吸附性能

以N,N-二甲基甲酰胺(DMF)为溶剂,利用静电纺丝法制备了聚丙烯腈(PAN)/β-环糊精(β-CD)纳米纤维.通过场发射扫描电镜、红外光谱和粉末XRD对纳米纤维进行了表征,并检测了纺丝溶液的电导率和黏度.结果表明,β-CD的添加量可以改善纳米纤维的形貌,固定在纤维上的β-CD保留了空腔结构,为其在纳米纤维中发挥超分子...     

β-环糊精功能化聚丙烯腈纳米纤维的制备及对亚甲基蓝的吸附性能β-环糊精功能化聚丙烯腈纳米纤维的制备及对亚甲基蓝的吸附性能

以N,N-二甲基甲酰胺(DMF)为溶剂, 利用静电纺丝法制备了聚丙烯腈(PAN)/β-环糊精(β-CD)纳米纤维. 通过场发射扫描电镜、红外光谱和粉末XRD对纳米纤维进行了表征, 并检测了纺丝溶液的电导率和黏度. 结果表明, β-CD的添加量可以改善纳米纤维的形貌, 固定在纤维上的β-CD保留了空腔结构, 为其在纳米纤维中发挥超分子特性提供了可能. 通过紫外-可见光谱法研究了PAN/β-CD纤维对亚甲基蓝(MB)溶液的吸附性能. 结果表明, 纳米纤维中的β-CD显著提高了PAN/β-CD纤维对MB的吸附能力, 使其在吸附分离、电化学传感器及药物控制释放等领域具有潜在的应用价值.     

Fabrication of Electrically Conducting Polypyrrole‐Poly(ethylene oxide) Composite Nanofibers

Summary: Electrically conducting polypyrrole‐poly(ethylene oxide) (PPy‐PEO) composite nanofibers are fabricated via a two‐step process. First, FeCl₃‐containing PEO nanofibers are produced by electrospinning. Second, the PEO‐FeCl₃ electrospun fibers are exposed to pyrrole vapor for the synthesis of polypyrrole. The vapor phase polymerization occurs through the diffusion of pyrrole monomer into the nanofibers. The collected non‐woven fiber mat is composed of 96 ± 30 nm diameter PPy‐PEO nanofibers. FT‐IR, XPS, and conductivity measurements confirm polypyrrole synthesis in the nanofiber.

An SEM image of the PPy‐PEO composite nanofibers. The scale bar in the image is 500 nm.     

Preparation of Polymer Nanofibers Containing Silver Nanoparticles by Using Poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidone)

Summary: Poly(N‐vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) was used in two methods to prepare polymer nanofibers containing Ag nanoparticles. The first method involved electrospinning the PVP nanofibers containing Ag nanoparticles directly from the PVP solutions containing the Ag nanoparticles. N,N‐Dimethylformamide was used as a solvent for the PVP as well as a reducing agent for the Ag⁺ ions in the PVP solutions. In the second method, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) aqueous solutions were electrospun with 5 wt.‐% of the PVP containing Ag nanoparticles. The Ag nanoparticles were evenly distributed in the PVA nanofibers. PVP containing Ag nanoparticles could be used to introduce Ag nanoparticles to other polymer nanofibers that are miscible with PVP.

TEM image of a PVA nanofiber electrospun with 5 wt.‐% of the PVP containing Ag nanoparticles.     

Resorbable polymer electrospun nanofibers: History,shapes and application for tissue engineering

Resorbable polymer electrospun nanofiber-based materials/devices have high surface-to-volume ratio and often have a porous structure with excellent pore interconnectivity,which are suitable for growth and development of different types of cells.Due to the huge advantages of both resorbable polymers and electrospun nano fibers,re sorbable polymer electrospun nanofibers(RPENs)have been widely applied in the field of tissue engineering.In this paper,we will mainly introduce RPENs for tissue engineering.Firstly,the electrospinning technique and electrospun nanofiber architectures are briefly introduced.Secondly,the application of RPENs in the field of tissue engineering is mainly reviewed.Finally,the advantages and disadvantages of RPENs for tissue engineering are discussed.This review will provide a comprehensive guide to apply resorbable polymer electrospun nanofibers for tissue engineering.     

Processing-structure-property relationships of electrospun PLA-PEO membranes reinforced with enzymatic cellulose nanofibers

Three different solvent mixtures were used to prepare electrospun membranes based on polylactic acid (PLA), polyethylene oxide (PEO) and enzymatic cellulose nanofibers (CNF). The materials were characterized from a morphological, spectroscopic, mechanical and rheological point of view. Furthermore, swelling test were performed in order to assess the water uptake of each sample.The results put into evidence that the choice of the solvents affects the structure and the properties of the membranes. Among the protocols tested, using chloroform/acetone/ethanol mixture was found to allow a high degree of CNF dispersion and a good electrospinnability of polymer solutions. These features led to membranes with impressive improvement of mechanical properties (+350% in stiffness, +350% in tensile strength and +500% in toughness) with respect to those of PLA/PEO and dramatically increased the water uptake of these materials (up to +350% within 120 min).