Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kelly J. Figueroa-Lopez, Cristina Prieto, Maria Pardo-Figuerez, Luis Cabedo, Jose M. Lagaron
Summary: Food quality is affected by oxygen and microorganisms, leading to changes in taste, odor, and color. This study describes the production of films made of PHBV loaded with CeO(2)NPs, which scavenge oxygen and have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, for food packaging applications. The films were analyzed for various properties, such as barrier, thermal, and oxygen scavenging activity. The nanocomposites showed promising results and could be used for new active organic recyclable packaging materials.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Annalisa Genovesi, Clizia Aversa, Massimiliano Barletta
Summary: The packaging sector in the EU is a major contributor to post-consumer plastic waste. Increasing consumer pressure and material restrictions have prompted producers to explore new solutions. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are compostable bioplastics that can easily degrade in composting facilities, soil, and aquatic environments. Three different blends of PHA were studied for creating thin films suitable for food packaging. The properties of the films indicate their potential as environmentally-friendly packaging materials.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Azeem Ullah, Lei Sun, Fei-fei Wang, Hifza Nawaz, Kentaro Yamashita, Yingying Cai, Faiza Anwar, Muhammad Qamar Khan, Gopiraman Mayakrishnan, Ick Soo Kim
Summary: We fabricated Zein/polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun nanofiber sheets incorporated with beta-caryophyllene loaded into halloysite (HNT) nanotubes, which can serve as an eco-friendly, bioactive food packaging material. The nanofiber sheets showed improved thermal and mechanical performance, reduced water vapor permeability, and exhibited good antioxidant and antibacterial properties. They also demonstrated sustained slow release of beta-caryophyllene and biocompatibility. The fabricated nanofiber sheets showed environmental degradation and effectively preserved the quality of strawberries during storage.
FOOD PACKAGING AND SHELF LIFE
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mahnaz Sadat Mirbagheri, Sahar Akhavan-Mahdavi, Anwarul Hasan, Mohammad Saeed Kharazmi, Seid Mahdi Jafari
Summary: Propolis-loaded electrospun nanofibers (PENs) with optimum levels of propolis and two polymer types (PCL and PVA) were developed using response surface methodology (RSM). The scaffold characteristics such as porosity, average diameter, wettability, release, and tensile strength were investigated. The overall optimum region was found to be at PCL/6% PRP and PVA/5% PRP. The cytotoxicity assay showed no toxicity for the optimal concentrations of PRP. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra revealed that no new chemical functional groups were introduced in the PENs. Uniform fibers were found in the optimum samples without the appearance of a bead-like structure in the fibers. In conclusion, nanofibers containing the optimal concentration of PRP with suitable properties can be used in biomedical and tissue engineering.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Davide Porrelli, Mario Mardirossian, Luigi Musciacchio, Micol Pacor, Federico Berton, Matteo Crosera, Gianluca Turco
Summary: The study aimed to enhance the bioactivity of electrospun PCL membranes by coating them with bioactive lactose-modified chitosan (CTL), which can be used for the synthesis and stabilization of silver nanoparticles to provide antibacterial properties. The CTL coating improved MG63 osteoblast adhesion and proliferation, while discouraging biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dakuri Ramakanth, Shiva Singh, Shakshi Bhardwaj, Radheesh Sharma Meda, Kirtiraj K. Gaikwad, Pradip K. Maji
Summary: Food scarcity and safety are pressing issues in the modern world. This study investigates the use of environmentally friendly synthesis of polymyrcene to address these concerns. The research demonstrates that the synthesized polymer has an excellent oxygen scavenging capacity when activated by UV light, making it suitable for active food packaging.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Leila Yavari Maroufi, Sepideh PourvatanDoust, Fatemeh Naeijian, Marjan Ghorbani
Summary: The present study developed polycaprolactone/casein electrospun nanofibers incorporated with green tea essential oils as active food packaging. Results showed that increasing the weight concentration of casein increased the viscosity and diameter of nanofibers, enhancing mechanical strength. On the other hand, increasing the content of polycaprolactone reduced fiber diameter, increased porosity, and improved thermal stability. Nanofiber samples with green tea essential oil showed sustained release and high antioxidant activity.
FOOD AND BIOPROCESS TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Meryem Yilmaz, Aylin Altan
Summary: The study developed an oxygen indicator that can effectively detect damaged packages, improving the quality and safety of packaged foods. The oxygen indicator, produced by the electrospinning process, has characteristics such as rapid response to oxygen, short in-pack activation time, and resistance to dye leakage.
FOOD PACKAGING AND SHELF LIFE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eda Yildiz, Gulum Sumnu, Leyla Nesrin Kahyaoglu
Summary: This study developed an electrospun nanofiber halochromic pH sensor film using curcumin, chitosan and polyethylene oxide to monitor chicken freshness. The color changes of the nanofiber film provided an opportunity to detect spoilage by untrained consumers, and the pH and TVB-N values indicated the food quality level. The curcumin loaded nanofiber successfully visualized real time monitoring of chicken spoilage, meeting expectations for quality indicators.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Yasaman Saghafi, Hadi Baharifar, Najmeh Najmoddin, Azadeh Asefnejad, Hassan Maleki, Sayed Mahmoud Sajjadi-Jazi, Alireza Bonkdar, Forough Shams, Kamyar Khoshnevisan
Summary: This study developed gel-based polycaprolactone/chitosan (PCL/CS) nanofibrous dressings containing bromelain (BRO) and silver nanoparticle (Ag NPs) through electrospinning. The resulting nanofibers exhibited uniform morphology without beads, with an average diameter of 176 +/- 63 nm. Adding BRO and Ag NPs improved the tensile strength of the nanofibers and enhanced their antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus bacteria. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the wound healing process was significantly accelerated with the dressings containing BRO and Ag NPs. Therefore, gel-based PCL/CS nanofibrous dressings loaded with BRO and Ag NPs have promising potential for skin wound healing.
Article
Polymer Science
Figen Aynali, Huseyin Balci, Erdinc Doganci, Erdi Bulus
Summary: In this study, a novel antimicrobial and hydrophilic nanofiber biomaterial was successfully fabricated by combining surface modification and nanotechnology. The antimicrobial activity of the material increased with the increase of antimicrobial polymer content in the nanofiber, resulting in a significant reduction in the bacterial population. The thermal properties of the nanofiber mats did not deteriorate after the blending process, and the addition of antimicrobial PLA with quaternary ammonium salts made the material highly hydrophilic.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Busra Sengel Ayvazoglu, Muhammet Ceylan, Aybuke A. Isbir Turan, Elif Burcu Yilmaz
Summary: In this study, PCL-silica aerogel fibers were successfully synthesized by adding different ratios of silica aerogel to PCL solution. Blood contact analysis revealed that fibers containing nano-silver particles exhibited antimicrobial properties. The designed surface with high cell adhesion and antimicrobial properties is expected to be preferred in wound dressing and biomaterials for tissue engineering.
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Mahdieh Dehghan, Habib Nikukar, Mohammad Khajeh Mehrizi
Summary: This study explains the stages of preparing a nanofiber scaffold using different ratios of three polymers for tissue engineering. The morphology, porosity, and hydrophilicity of the scaffold were evaluated and optimized. The results show that the PCL/G/PDMS nanofibers can be used for tissue engineering applications, especially for elastic tissues.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL TEXTILES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Emanuela Drago, Roberta Campardelli, Antonio Barbucci, Patrizia Perego
Summary: Currently, active food packaging is crucial for preserving food quality and reducing losses. This study proposes the optimization of polycaprolactone fibers through electrospinning to produce innovative materials for primary packaging in the cold chain. The loaded substances in the fibers, linoleic and oleic acid, show potential for thermal insulating packaging.
JOURNAL OF FOOD ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qi Zhao, Lirong Zheng, Yixuan Gao, Jingjing Li, Juanjuan Wei, Min Zhang, Jianghui Sun, Jin Ouyang, Na Na
Summary: An aptamer-functionalized Pd@MoO3-x nano-hydrangea (A-Pd@MoO3-x NH) with dual active centers has been developed to overcome the adverse effects of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and achieve high-efficiency cancer therapy. This nanozyme can address tumor hypoxia and high endogenous glutathione (GSH) through cascade enzymatic reactions, catalyzing the degradation of GSH and mitigating the accumulation of cytotoxic superoxide radicals in TME.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Jorge Alberto Ramos-Hernandez, Montserrat Calderon-Santoyo, Cristina Prieto, Jose Maria Lagaron, Arturo Navarro-Ocana, Juan Arturo Ragazzo-Sanchez
Summary: This study evaluated the techno-functional properties of a mixture of high degree of polymerization Agave fructans and whey protein as encapsulating material for stabilized Coccoloba uvifera L. extract fraction. The purification of the extract and the encapsulation process were successfully carried out, resulting in capsules with spherical shapes. The capsules exhibited high glass transition temperature and thermal stability, and showed good antioxidant capacities.
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Zuzanna J. Krysiak, Urszula Stachewicz
Summary: The skin is an important barrier between the environment and the body, but it can also develop various problems, with eczema being the most common. Treatment for atopic dermatitis focuses on increasing skin moisture and protection. Electrospun fibers have properties that meet the requirements for skin patches and show potential as a treatment for atopic dermatitis. The release of drugs from electrospun membranes is affected by various factors, and their use as a drug delivery system is extensively studied.
WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-NANOMEDICINE AND NANOBIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Weronika Janik, Kerstin Ledniowska, Michal Nowotarski, Stanislaw Kudla, Joanna Knapczyk-Korczak, Urszula Stachewicz, Ewa Nowakowska-Bogdan, Ewa Sabura, Hanna Nosal-Kovalenko, Roman Turczyn, Gabriela Dudek
Summary: Chitosan-based films were modified with synthesized and commercial eco-friendly plasticizers to obtain environmentally friendly packaging materials. The alternative plasticizers showed lower hydrophilicity and superior mechanical properties compared to traditional plasticizers. Additionally, these properties were further improved after aging.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ahmet Ozan Basar, Cristina Prieto, Maria Pardo-Figuerez, Jose M. Lagaron
Summary: In this study, electrospun nanofibers of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) containing natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) were produced and characterized. These nanofibers exhibited a unique 3D morphology and improved charge retention properties. The PHBV/ChCl/urea/water nanofibers showed lasting charge retention, particularly when sandwiched between spunbond polypropylene textiles. The developed electrospun PHBV fibers containing NADES have the potential to be used as electret filter media.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kelly J. Figueroa-Lopez, Cristina Prieto, Maria Pardo-Figuerez, Luis Cabedo, Jose M. Lagaron
Summary: Food quality is affected by oxygen and microorganisms, leading to changes in taste, odor, and color. This study describes the production of films made of PHBV loaded with CeO(2)NPs, which scavenge oxygen and have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, for food packaging applications. The films were analyzed for various properties, such as barrier, thermal, and oxygen scavenging activity. The nanocomposites showed promising results and could be used for new active organic recyclable packaging materials.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Adam Aberra Challa, Nabanita Saha, Piotr K. Szewczyk, Joanna E. Karbowniczek, Urszula Stachewicz, Fahanwi Asabuwa Ngwabebhoh, Petr Saha
Summary: In this study, graphene oxide (GO) synthesized from spent coffee grounds was used as a filler in cellulose acetate (CA) nanofibers for bone tissue engineering. The study showed that agro-residual biomass can be utilized to produce and modify biomaterials, contributing to sustainable bio-composites and environmental conservation efforts.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Gregory Parisi, Piotr K. Szewczyk, Shankar Narayan, Urszula Stachewicz
Summary: The global water supply is declining due to climate change, leading to an increasing demand for sustainable water resources. One solution is the use of fog water collectors with variable surface wettability to address regions with low humidity levels. This study developed fiber meshes with a photoresponsive switchable surface by adding TiO2 to electrospun PVDF meshes. The switchable meshes showed improved water collection performance at lower fog rates after UV irradiation. Being able to switch between hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties is highly desirable for fog collection applications using electrospun meshes.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Piotr K. Szewczyk, Ali Emre Tasli, Joanna Knapczyk-Korczak, Urszula Stachewicz
Summary: This study examines the effect of conductive carbon black on the mechanical and triboelectric properties of electrospun fibers, revealing that its impact on triboelectric properties depends on the material and its content, providing validation and guidance for the development of advanced composite materials for electrostatic discharge protection and energy harvesting applications.
COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ahmadreza Moradi, Piotr K. K. Szewczyk, Urszula Stachewicz
Summary: The production of highly thermally conductive polymer composites has attracted growing interest due to the pressing issues of the energy crisis and rapid electronics development. Electrospinning is used to create composite nanofibers and yarns using polyimide (PI) and thermally conductive silicon nitride (SiN) nanoparticles to overcome the challenges related to poor processability of hybrid materials and filler distribution for achieving high thermal conductivity. The thermal performance of the nanofibers is evaluated using scanning thermal microscopy (SThM), providing valuable insights into their heat transfer performance. Furthermore, the nanofibers are applied as coatings on resistance wires to assess their thermal conductivity and insulation properties, with the samples containing 35 wt.% of SiN showing a 25% increase in surface temperature. These innovative materials hold great promise as exceptional candidates for smart textiles and thermal management applications, addressing the growing demand for effective heat dissipation and regulation.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Bruno Hernaez, Ana Munoz-Gomez, Africa Sanchiz, Eva Orviz, Adrian Valls-Carbo, Inigo Sagastagoitia, Oskar Ayerdi, Rocio Martin, Teresa Puerta, Mar Vera, Noemi Cabello, Jorge Vergas, Cristina Prieto, Maria Pardo-Figuerez, Anabel Negredo, Jose Maria Lagaron, Jorge del Romero, Vicente Estrada, Antonio Alcami
Summary: Monkeypox virus DNA and infectious virus were detected in saliva samples and exhaled droplets and aerosols from patients with monkeypox. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential relevance of the respiratory route of infection in the 2022 monkeypox virus outbreak.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Piotr K. Szewczyk, Krzysztof Berniak, Joanna Knapczyk-Korczak, Joanna E. Karbowniczek, Mateusz M. Marzec, Andrzej Bernasik, Urszula Stachewicz
Summary: In this study, cellulose acetate (CA) electrospun fibers were found to possess piezoelectric properties, allowing for the simulation of a natural electrical environment that promotes bone cell attachment and growth. The combination of high surface potential and well-developed fibrous structure of CA scaffolds led to the formation of a vast 3D network of collagen produced by osteoblasts after 7 days of in vitro culture. Therefore, CA scaffolds show advantages as a bone replacement material when long-lasting structural support is needed.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Piotr K. Szewczyk, Tommaso Busolo, Sohini Kar-Narayan, Urszula Stachewicz
Summary: This study explores new methods for integrating energy-harvesting capabilities into smart textiles through the development of strong and efficient yarns. By using Nylon-11 fibers electrospun onto conductive carbon yarns, durable and efficient yarns with energy-harvesting capabilities have been successfully created. The research shows promising steps towards achieving greener and more reliable self-powered systems by integrating smart textiles into practical scenarios.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Piotr K. Szewczyk, Michal Kopacz, Zuzanna J. Krysiak, Urszula Stachewicz
Summary: This study explores the use of fiber-based patches to maintain and increase skin hydration for the treatment of eczema and atopic dermatitis (AD). The findings highlight the potential of electrospun patches in maintaining skin hydration and enhancing skin moisture.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Gonzalez-Cruz Elda M, Andrade-Gonzalez Isaac, Prieto Cristina, Lagaren Jose M, Calderon-Santoyo Montserrat, Ragazzo-Sanchez Juan A
Summary: In this study, zein prolamine nanocapsules encapsulating polyphenolic compounds extracted from Biloxi blueberries were produced using the electrospraying technique. The nanocapsules showed a homogeneous morphology with a smooth surface and sizes ranging from 200 to 300 nm. The study revealed that zein can protect the phenolic compounds from photodamage and offer thermoprotection.
BIOINTERFACE RESEARCH IN APPLIED CHEMISTRY
(2023)