Electrospun Porous Nanofibers with Imprinted Patterns Induced by Phase Separation of Immiscible Polymer Blends

Nano-fibers fabrication using biological macromolecules: Application in biosensing and biomedicine

Nanofibers, a type of nanomaterial, have been widely use in a variety of fields, both research and commercial applications. They are a material of choice in a diverse range of applications due to their characteristics and unique physicochemical properties. Nanofibers have cross-sectional dimeters varying between 1 nm and 100 nm, the nano range dimensions providing them characteristics such as high surface area-to-volume ratio, highly porous as well as interconnected networks. There are various types of materials which have been used to synthesize nanofibers both biological (namely, hyaluronic acid, chitosan, alginate, fibrin, collagen, gelatin, silk fibroin, gums, and cellulose) as well as synthetic (namely, poly(lactic acid), poly(1-caprolactone), poly(vinyl alcohol), and polyurethane) polymers which have been briefly discussed in the present review. The review also explores various fabrication techniques for producing nanofibers, such as physical/chemical/biological techniques as well as electrospinning/non-spinning techniques. Due to their distinctive physicochemical qualities, nanofibers have become intriguing one-dimensional nanomaterials with applications in a wide range of biomedical fields. In line with this, the review discusses about various applications of nanofibers, namely, wound dressing, drug delivery, implants, diagnostic devices, tissue engineering, and biosensing. Furthermore, having an insight of the distinctive characteristics of nanofibers materials which could have immense potential in various biosensing applications, this review emphasizes on application of nanofibrous materials in the field of biosensing. However, despite these advances, there remain some challenges that need to be addressed before nanofiber technology can be widely adopted for its commercial use in biomedical as well as biosensing applications.

Construction of semiconductor nanocomposites for room-temperature gas sensors

Gas sensors are essential for ensuring public safety and improving quality of life. Room-temperature gas sensors are notable for their potential economic benefits and low energy consumption, and their expected integration with wearable electronics, making them a focal point of contemporary research. Advances in nanomaterials and low-dimensional semiconductors have significantly contributed to the enhancement of room-temperature gas sensors. These advancements have focused on improving sensitivity, selectivity, and response/recovery times, with nanocomposites offering distinct advantages. The discussion here focuses on the use of semiconductor nanocomposites for gas sensing at room temperature, and provides a review of the latest synthesis techniques for these materials. This involves the precise adjustment of chemical compositions, microstructures, and morphologies. In addition, the design principles and potential functional mechanisms are examined. This is crucial for deepening the understanding and enhancing the operational capabilities of sensors. We also highlight the challenges faced in scaling up the production of nanocomposite materials. Looking ahead, semiconductor nanocomposites are expected to drive innovation in gas sensor technology due to their carefully crafted design and construction, paving the way for their extensive use in various sectors.

Structural Control of Nanofibers According to Electrospinning Process Conditions and Their Applications

Nanofibers have gained much attention because of the large surface area they can provide. Thus, many fabrication methods that produce nanofiber materials have been proposed. Electrospinning is a spinning technique that can use an electric field to continuously and uniformly generate polymer and composite nanofibers. The structure of the electrospinning system can be modified, thus making changes to the structure, and also the alignment of nanofibers. Moreover, the nanofibers can also be treated, modifying the nanofiber structure. This paper thoroughly reviews the efforts to change the configuration of the electrospinning system and the effects of these configurations on the nanofibers. Excellent works in different fields of application that use electrospun nanofibers are also introduced. The studied materials functioned effectively in their application, thereby proving the potential for the future development of electrospinning nanofiber materials.

A Review on Electrospun Nanofiber Composites for an Efficient Electrochemical Sensor Applications

The present review article discusses the elementary concepts of the sensor mechanism and various types of materials used for sensor applications. The electrospinning method is the most comfortable method to prepare the device-like structure by means of forming from the fiber structure. Though there are various materials available for sensors, the important factor is to incorporate the functional group on the surface of the materials. The post-modification sanction enhances the efficiency of the sensor materials. This article also describes the various types of materials applied to chemical and biosensor applications. The chemical sensor parts include acetone, ethanol, ammonia, and CO2, H2O2, and NO2 molecules; meanwhile, the biosensor takes on glucose, uric acid, and cholesterol molecules. The above materials have to be sensed for a healthier lifestyle for humans and other living organisms. The prescribed review articles give a detailed report on the Electrospun materials for sensor applications.

Point-of-care applicable metabotyping using biofluid-specific electrospun MetaSAMPs directly amenable to ambient LA-REIMS

In recent years, ambient ionization mass spectrometry (AIMS) including laser ablation rapid evaporation IMS, has enabled direct biofluid metabolome analysis. AIMS procedures are, however, still hampered by both analytical, i.e., matrix effects, and practical, i.e., sample transport stability, drawbacks that impede metabolome coverage. In this study, we aimed at developing biofluid-specific metabolome sampling membranes (MetaSAMPs) that offer a directly applicable and stabilizing substrate for AIMS. Customized rectal, salivary, and urinary MetaSAMPs consisting of electrospun (nano)fibrous membranes of blended hydrophilic (polyvinylpyrrolidone and polyacrylonitrile) and lipophilic (polystyrene) polymers supported metabolite absorption, adsorption, and desorption. Moreover, MetaSAMP demonstrated superior metabolome coverage and transport stability compared to crude biofluid analysis and was successfully validated in two pediatric cohorts (MetaBEAse, n = 234 and OPERA, n = 101). By integrating anthropometric and (patho)physiological with MetaSAMP-AIMS metabolome data, we obtained substantial weight-driven predictions and clinical correlations. In conclusion, MetaSAMP holds great clinical application potential for on-the-spot metabolic health stratification.

Recent Progress of the Preparation and Application of Electrospun Porous Nanofibers

Electrospun porous nanofibers have gained a lot of interest recently in various fields because of their adjustable porous structure, high specific surface area, and large number of active sites, which can further enhance the performance of materials. This paper provides an overview of the common polymers, preparation, and applications of electrospun porous nanofibers. Firstly, the polymers commonly used to construct porous structures and the main pore-forming methods in porous nanofibers by electrospinning, namely the template method and phase separation method, are introduced. Secondly, recent applications of electrospun porous nanofibers in air purification, water treatment, energy storage, biomedicine, food packaging, sensor, sound and wave absorption, flame retardant, and heat insulation are reviewed. Finally, the challenges and possible research directions for the future study of electrospun porous nanofibers are discussed.