Nanofibers production, electrospinning

Eby RK et al. Production of nonwoven network of synthetically spun silk nanofibers, by electrospinning a solution containing dissolved silk fibers and hexafluoroisopropanol. University of Akron, OH... 

S. Lee, G. D. Moon, and U. Jeong, Continuous production of uniform poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) nanofibers by electrospinning and their electrical properties J. Mater. Chem., 19, 743-748 (2009). 

As we discuss there are various methods to produce carbon nanofibers or carbon nanotubes, for example, vapor growth [89], arc dischaige, laser ablation and chemical vapor deposition [28, 89]. However, these are very expensive processes owing to the low product yield and expensive equipment. Preparation carbon nanofiber by electrospinning of proper precursors is preferred because of its lower cost and more output [90]. 

Electrospinning technique has proved to be efficient in nanofibers production for diverse applications such as biomedical applications, liquid crystal devices, nanofiltration, etc. However, it has been very promising technique for tissue engineered scaffolds fabrication. This reiterates the fact that through this technique, it is possible to fabricate scaffolds by resembling the namral ECM inside human body. The features of electrospun nanofibers can be manipulated so that (i) the dimensions of nanofibers could resemble the namral tissue fibers dimensions in the body and (ii) the scaffolds porosity could be manipulated to mimic that of the namral tissues inside the body. High porosity is mandatory in scaffolds for better fluid perfusion and cell proliferation. 

Electrospinning is a nanofiber production technique from a wide range of polymeric materials. In this section, an introduction to electrospinning process and starting materials, along with the applications of electrochemical sensors based on nanofibrous mats fabricated by the electrospinning process, will be discussed. 

Pipemo S, Lozzi L, RasteUi R, Passacantando M, Santucci S (2006) PMMA nanofibers production by electrospinning. Appl Surf Sci 252 5583-5586... 

Zanin MHA, Cerize NNP, de Oliveira AM (2011) Production of nanofibers by electrospinning technology overview and application in cosmetics. In Beck R, Guterres S, Pohlmann A (eds) Nanocosmetics and nanomedicines new approaches for skin Care. Springer, Berlin, pp 311-332... 

Lee CH et al (2005) Nanofiber alignment and direction of mechanical strain affect the ECM production of human ACL fibroblast. Biomaterials 26(11) 1261-1270 Han JA et al (2011) Electrospinning and biocompatibility evaluation of biodegradable polyurethanes based on L-lysine diisocyanate and L-lysine chain extender. J Biomed Mater Res A 96(4) 705-714... 

---