Abstract: A scaffold assembly and related methods of manufacturing and/or using the scaffold for stem cell culture and tissue engineering applications are disclosed which at least partially mimic a native biological environment by providing biochemical, topographical, mechanical and electrical cues by using an electroactive material. The assembly includes at least one layer of substantially aligned, electrospun polymer fiber having an operative connection for individual voltage application. A method of cell tissue engineering and/or stem cell differentiation uses the assembly seeded with a sample of cells suspended in cell culture media, incubates and applies voltage to one or more layers, and thus produces cells and/or a tissue construct.

Abstract: Lithium ion batteries, electrodes, nanofibers, and methods for producing same are disclosed herein. Provided herein are batteries having (a) increased energy density; (b) decreased pulverization (structural disruption due to volume expansion during lithiation/de-lithiation processes); and/or (c) increased lifetime. In some embodiments described herein, using high throughput, water-based electrospinning process produces nanofibers of high energy capacity materials (e.g., ceramic) with nanostructures such as discrete crystal domains, mesopores, hollow cores, and the like; and such nanofibers providing reduced pulverization and increased charging rates when they are used in anodic or cathodic materials.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the manufacture of fibers from solution-phase peptide-based polymers by electrospinning, and compositions produced thereby. In particular embodiments, various embodiments provide electrospinning supramolecular fibers from low concentration peptide amphiphile filaments.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a process of forming a prosthetic device is provided. The process includes forming a dispersion of polymeric nanofibers, a fiberizing polymer, and a solvent, the dispersion having a viscosity of at least about 50,000 cPs. A tubular frame is positioned over a tubular polymeric structure. Nanofibers from the dispersion are electrospun onto the tubular frame to form a prosthetic device. The prosthetic device is heated.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter describes systems and methods of electrospinning a fiber for a variety of applications. An exemplary embodiment includes a medical device application for delivering a therapeutic agent, such as a sclerosing agent, to the walls of a blood vessel to perform sclerotherapy. A method of fabricating a medical balloon comprises charging a polymer material with an electric voltage, dispensing the charged polymeric material through a nozzle, collecting the charged polymeric material on a grounded mandrel, wherein the mandrel includes a tubular body having a plurality of openings extending through the tubular body, and forming an electrospun medical balloon defined by a body having a varied thickness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to metal coated nano-fibres obtained by a process that includes electrospinning and to the use of said metal coated nano-fibres. The process is characterised in that a polymer nano-fibre with functional groups providing the binding ability to a reducing reagent is prepared by electrospinning at ambient conditions. Then this is contacted with a reducing agent, thereby opening the epoxy ring on the surface of polymer nano-fibre and replacing with the reducing agent and the reducing agent modified film is reacted with metal solution in alkaline media. Finally the electrospun mat is treated with water to open the epoxy rings in the structure and crosslinking the chains to provide integrity.

Abstract: Prosthetic ligaments and tendons comprising ligament- or tendon-mimicking nanofibers and methods of making such nanofibers and prosthetic ligaments and tendons.

Abstract: A near field electrospinning system includes a spinneret that provides a plurality of fibers and a collector positioned relative to the plurality of spinnerets. The electrospinning system also includes a coagulant flowing along the collector. The coagulant is configured to receive a plurality of fibers from the spinneret(s) and move the plurality of fibers away from the spinneret(s). The electrospinning system also includes a roller configured to collect the plurality of fibers from the coagulant as a substantially untwisted bundle of continuous fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a various three-dimensional polymeric scaffold and methods for producing and using the same. In one embodiment, the three-dimensional polymeric scaffold is used to promote cell migration. Yet in another embodiment, the three-dimensional polymeric scaffold comprises enhanced surface functionalization. In one particular embodiment, the polymeric scaffold comprises a plurality of polymer layers, wherein each polymer layer comprises microchannels. Still in another particular embodiment, the composition comprises a fibrous cholesteryl succinyl silane. Yet in another particular embodiment, a polymer comprising cholesteryl succinyl silane attached (e.g., hybridized) to its surface is provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods for high-throughput manufacture of concentrically layered nanoscale and microscale fibers by electrospinning are disclosed. The devices include a hollow tube having a lengthwise slit through which a core material can flow, and can be configured to permit introduction of sheath material at multiple sites of Taylor cone formation.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of spider silk filament for use as a thread or composition in the manufacture of cosmetic, medical, textile, and industrial applications, wherein the spider silk filament, derived from genetically modified organisms, is treated with at least one component selected from the group consisting of vitamins, hormones, antioxidants, chelating agents, antibiotics, preserving agents, fragrances, dyes, pigments, magnetic nanoparticles, nanocrystals, cell adhesion enhancers, thermal insulators, shrinkage agents and cosmetic, medical or dermatological active substances. Textile fabrics obtained by this method are stronger, bio-compatible, bio-degradable and have a higher thermal conductivity. Treated spider silk filament can also be applied in an oil-in-water or water-in-oil protective cream that is hypoallergenic and ensures a firmer skin.

Abstract: Described herein are mixed matrix filtration membranes and related, compositions, methods and systems and in particular mixed matrix filtration membranes with an embedded polymer network and/or embedded polymeric micro/nanoparticles functionalized with a functionalization polymer covalently and/or non covalently linked to the micro/nanoparticles and related compositions, methods, and systems.

Abstract: There are provided a recombinant silk protein derived from sea anemones, a method for producing the same, and a composition for preparing a silk fiber including same. The recombinant silk protein derived from sea anemones has sequence features similar to genetic information of a silk protein derived from spiders and silkworms. Also, a large amount of recombinant silk protein derived from sea anemones may be produced from a transformant and it has good physical properties such as strength and elasticity. Therefore, the recombinant silk protein derived from sea anemones can be usefully applied in various industrial fields in which natural silk protein can be applied, and it is expected to create new industrial fields based on its distinctive mechanical properties.

Abstract: Described herein are nanofibers and methods for making nanofibers that include any one or more of (a) a non-homogeneous charge density; (b) a plurality of regions of high charge density; and/or (c) charged nanoparticles or chargeable nanoparticles. In one aspect, the present invention fulfills a need for filtration media that are capable of both high performance (e.g., removal of particle sizes between 0.1 and 0.5 ?m) with a low pressure drop, however the invention is not limited in this regard.

Abstract: Methods are provided according to aspects of the present invention for making starch fiber or particle compositions by wet-electrospinning or wet-electrospraying including providing a solution or dispersion of starch in an aqueous or non-aqueous solvent or dispersant, where the starch is present at a concentration above the critical entanglement concentration, with the proviso that the aqueous or non-aqueous solvent or dispersant does not consist only of water; heating the solution or dispersion of starch to a temperature above the crystallization temperature of the starch; electro spinning or electro spraying the heated solution or dispersion of starch to produce starch fibers or starch particles, respectively; and contacting the starch fibers or starch particles with a coagulation bath fluid.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead includes an insulative lead body extending from a distal region to a proximal region and a conductor disposed within the insulative lead body and extending from the proximal region to the distal region. An electrode is disposed on the insulative lead body and is in electrical contact with the conductor. The medical electrical lead also includes a cross-linked hydrophilic polymer coating disposed over at least a portion of the electrode. The cross-linked hydrophilic polymer coating includes a fibrous matrix comprising a plurality of discrete fibers and pores formed between at least a portion of the fibers and a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol-containing hydrogel network disposed within the pores of the fibrous matrix.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing mechanically resilient titanium carbide (TiC) nanofibrous felts comprising continuous nanofibers or nano-ribbons with TiC crystallites embedded in carbon matrix, comprising: (a) electrospinning a spin dope for making precursor nanofibers with diameters less than 0.5 J.Lm; (b) overlaying the nanofibers to produce a nanofibrous mat (felt); and then (c) heating the nano-felts first at a low temperature, and then at a high temperature for making electrospun continuous nanofibers or nano-ribbons with TiC crystallites embedded in carbon matrix; and (d) chlorinating the above electrospun nano-felts at an elevated temperature to remove titanium for producing carbide derived carbon (CDC) nano-fibrous felt with high specific surface areas.

Abstract: The invention relates to micro-, submicro- or nano-structures comprising amaranth protein, optionally combined with at least one other biopolymer, which structures are suitable for use as an encapsulation matrix. In particular, the invention relates to micro-, submicro- or nano-structures comprising amaranth protein and a polysaccharide. The invention also relates to the production method thereof, said method comprising an electrospinning, electrospraying or blow spinning step. The encapsulated product is characterised in that it comprises an encapsulation matrix formed by micro-, submicro- or nano-structures of the invention and at least one functional ingredient. The invention further relates to the method for obtaining same.

Abstract: Tissue-engineered vascular graft is designed to be used in cardiovascular surgeries, especially in coronary artery bypass grafting and peripheral vessels reconstruction procedures. Two-phase electrospinning technique was employed to fabricate a biodegradable polymer graft composed of the porous tubular scaffold supplemented by biologically active molecules, incorporated directly into the matrix walls in order to promote regeneration process of the patient's own vessel wall.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing fibers which includes forming a plurality of bubbles on the surface of a fiber spinning solution, applying a voltage between the solution and a counter-electrode spaced apart therefrom to cause jets to extend from the bubbles to the counter-electrode, and treating the solution with a surfactant to stabilize the bubbles.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter can provide a nanotube-reinforced polymer composite material comprising a plurality of nanotubes, each nanotube being formed of a plurality of cyclic peptide molecules, disposed within a polymer matrix, such as a biodegradable polymer matrix. A cyclic polymer, such as a cyclic 8-mer, composed of amino acid residues of alternating absolute configurations (D/L, R/S), can self-assemble into nanotubes useful for preparation of the composite polymer material of the invention. For example, the cyclic peptide (QL)4, wherein the glutamine and leucine residues are of opposite absolute configuration, self-assembles into nanotubes, which when formed into a reinforced polymer composite including poly(caprolactone), provides a biocompatible material of greater tensile strength and Young's modulus compared to the poly(caprolactone) material alone. The nanotubes can be prepared by a vapor equilibration technique or by a solvent-nonsolvent precipitation technique.

Abstract: An stable electrohydrodynamic filament is obtained by causing a straight electrohydrodynamic filament formed from a liquid to emerge from a Taylor cone, the filament having a diameter of from 10 nm to 100 ?m. Such filaments are useful in electrohydrodynamic printing and manufacturing techniques and their application in liquid drop/particle and fiber production, colloidal deployment and assembly, and composite materials processing.

Abstract: Fibers having two or more alternating polymer layers are formed by co-extrusion followed by electroprocessing. The fibers can be used as a non-woven mat or other substrate for a variety of applications. Delamination of the fibers using ultrasonication yields separated, micro and nanolayer, fiber ribbons which may also be used a non-woven mat or other substrate.

Abstract: Provided herein are electrospinning systems, apparatuses, components, and processes for the preparation of nanofibers, including high throughput systems, apparatuses, and processes for producing high performance nanofibers.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of forming functionally active fibers and substrates formed with functionally active fibers. The method includes forming a mixture of at least one polymer and at least one functional active. The mixture is then injected at a controlled flow rate into an electric field to cause the mixture to at least partially form fine fibers that have an average diameter of less than about 1000 nanometers.

Abstract: Disclosed are a negative active material for a rechargeable lithium battery, a method of preparing the same, and a rechargeable lithium battery including the same. The negative active material includes a composite particle including a silicon particle and a carbon coating layer coated on the surface of the silicon particle and a porous space formed by the entangled carbon nanofibers, the composite particle contacting the external surface of the carbon nanofibers in the porous space of the carbon nanofiber structure, and the carbon nanofibers have a larger diameter than that of the composite particle and a diameter ranging from about 100 nm to about 2000 nm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing hybrid materials of thin polymer films with single, laminated, complete and/or partially embedded nanofibers to obtain products with unique functional properties. In one embodiment, the present invention involves a method that comprises the combination of two process technologies; a thin film solution casting process (tape casting, solvent casting) and an electrospinning process, in order to produce hybrid materials of thin polymer films with single, laminated, completely and/or partially embedded electrospun nanofibers to obtain products with unique functional properties. In another embodiment of the present invention, fibers and/or nanofibers of a chosen material are spun directly on to substrates of polymer solutions and/or monomers solutions, were such solutions are located on a carrier belt that is electrically and/or ionically conductive.

Abstract: Provided herein are nanofibers and processes of preparing nanofibers. In some instances, the nanofibers are metal and/or ceramic nanofibers. In some embodiments, the nanofibers are high quality, high performance nanofibers, highly coherent nanofibers, highly continuous nanofibers, or the like. In some embodiments, the nanofibers have increased coherence, increased length, few voids and/or defects, and/or other advantageous characteristics. In some instances, the nanofibers are produced by electrospinning a fluid stock having a high loading of nanofiber precursor in the fluid stock. In some instances, the fluid stock comprises well mixed and/or uniformly distributed precursor in the fluid stock. In some instances, the fluid stock is converted into a nanofiber comprising few voids, few defects, long or tunable length, and the like.

Abstract: Electrospinning from a melt or solution by means of an electric field between a fibre source such as a spinneret or a bubble surface and a moving collector comprising a wire card of which the wires are electrically connected. The spinneret or melt or solution may be held at high potential and the wires earthed. The method produces an aligned nanofibre web that can be made into strands, yarns, cable or rope or non-woven fabrics such as stitch bonded and stitch knitted fabric.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous sheet and a method for manufacturing the porous sheet. A porous sheet including a fine-fiber web layer and a support layer and a method for manufacturing the same are provided, and it is possible to implement a porous sheet with sufficient strength and thickness to be used in peeling and laminating processes of a multilayer ceramic capacitor.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead may include an insulative lead body, a conductor disposed within the insulative lead body, an electrode disposed on the insulative lead body and in electrical contact with the conductor and a fibrous matrix disposed at least partially over the electrode. The fibrous matrix may be formed from a non-conductive polycarbonate polyurethane polymer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming non-woven fiber mats from polymers and monomers that are traditionally difficult to use for fiber formation are shown and described. Applicable techniques include electrospinning and other traditional fiber formation methods. Suitable polymers and monomers include those having low molecular weight, a low melting point, and/or a low glass transition temperature.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, multicomponent fiber are provided, which comprise (a) a polymeric core that comprises a core-forming polymer and (b) a polymeric sheath that comprises a sheath-forming polymer that is different than the core-forming polymer. Examples of core-forming polymers include, for instance, crosslinked polysiloxanes and thermoplastic polymers, among others. Examples of sheath-forming polymers include, for instance, solvent-soluble polymers, degradable polymers and hydrogel-forming polymers, among others. Other aspects of the present invention pertain to methods of forming such multicomponent fibers. For example, in certain preferred embodiments, the multicomponent fibers are formed using coaxial electrospinning techniques. Still other aspects of the present invention pertain to meshes and other articles that are formed using the multicomponent fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a nano metal wire, including: putting a metal precursor solution in a core pipe of a needle; putting a polymer solution in a shell pipe of the needle, wherein the shell pipe surrounds the core pipe; applying a voltage to the needle while simultaneously jetting the metal precursor solution and the polymer solution to form a nano line on a collector, wherein the nano line includes a metal precursor wire surrounded by a polymer tube; chemically reducing the metal precursor wire of the nano line to form a nano line of metal wire surrounded by the polymer tube; and washing out the polymer tube by a solvent.

Abstract: Inventive concepts relate general to the field of implantable three-dimensional scaffolds. More particularly, methods of preparing and using implantable nanofibrous tissue scaffolds are described. Inventive scaffolds can be used for treatment of defects in a living organism, such as hard or soft tissue defects including bone.

Abstract: An electrospinning device for providing a predetermined distance profile for the distance between outlets of the electrospinning device and the receiving surface. The latter may be obtained by geometrically adapting the electrospinning device or by moving the outlets with respect to the receiving surface during growth of the fibrous structure.

Abstract: A method to manufacture a carbon fiber electrode comprises synthesizing polyamic acid (PAA) as a polyimide (PI) precursor from pryomellitic dian hydride (PMDA) and oxydianiline (ODA) as monomers and triethylamine (TEA) as a catalyst, adding dimethylformamide (DMF) to the polyamic acid (PAA) solution to prepare a spinning solution and subjecting the spinning solution to electrostatic spinning at a high voltage to obtain a PAA nanofiber paper, converting the PAA nanofiber paper into a polyimide (PI) nanofiber paper by heating, and converting the polyimide (PI) nanofiber paper into a carbon nanofiber (CNF) paper by heating under an Ar atmosphere. Also, the method to manufacture a polyimide carbon nanofiber electrode and/or a carbon nanotube composite electrode may utilize carbon nanofibers having diameters that are lessened by optimizing electrostatic spinning in order to improve spinnability.

Abstract: A biocompatible textile and methods for its use and fabrication are disclosed. The textile may be fabricated from electrospun fibers forming windings on a mandrel, in which the windings form openings having a mesh size between adjacent windings. The textile may also be fabricated by the addition of solvent-soluble particles incorporated into the textile while the windings are formed. Such particles may be removed by exposing the textile to a solvent, thereby dissolving them. Disclosed are also replacements for animal organs composed of material including at least one layer of an electrospun fiber textile having a mesh size. Such replacements for animal organs may include biocompatible textiles treated with a surface treatment process.

Abstract: A nanofiber manufacturing apparatus (100) which produces nanofibers (301) by electrically stretching a solution (300) in space. The apparatus includes: an effusing body (115) having effusing holes (118) for effusing the solution into the space, a tip part (116) in which openings (119) are arranged at given intervals, and two side wall parts (117) provided so as to extend from both sides of the tip part so that the effusing holes are located between the side wall parts and the distance between the side wall parts increases with the distance from the tip part; a charging electrode (121) disposed at a given distance from the effusing body; and a charging power supply (122) which applies a given voltage between the effusing body and the charging electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing polymeric structures that have activated surfaces. The process proved to be simple, quick, with high production capacity and low operating costs. The process occurs by depositing a polymer solution, which is assisted by a high electric field, on a conductive liquid surface to produce particles and/or filaments that have an activated surface. More particularly, the process of the present invention has the ability to produce particles and/or filaments that have chemically activated surfaces, in a single process.

Abstract: A chitosan nanofiber for delivering an anionic protein drug, a method of preparing the same, and a pharmaceutical preparation for transmucosal administration including the chitosan nanofiber are provided. The chitosan nanofiber including an anionic protein drug in a core and chitosan in a shell is prepared by coaxial electrospinning an aqueous solution of the anionic protein drug through an inner nozzle and a solution of the chitosan or a chitosan derivative through an outer nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention has an object of providing the carbon fiber (or the nonwoven fabric configured of the aforementioned carbon fiber) of which the surface area, the graphitization degree, and the fiber diameter are large, high, and small, respectively, and yet of which dispersion is small. The method of producing the carbon fiber nonwoven fabric includes a dispersion liquid preparing step of preparing a dispersion liquid containing resin and pitch, an electrospinning step of producing the nonwoven fabric that is comprised of carbon fiber precursors with electrospinning from the aforementioned dispersion liquid, and a modifying step of modifying the carbon fiber precursors of the nonwoven fabric obtained in the aforementioned electrospinning step into the carbon fiber.

Abstract: An improved electroblowing process is provided for forming a fibrous web of nanofibers wherein polymer stream is issued from a spinning nozzle in a spinneret with the aid of a forwarding gas stream, passes an electrode and a resulting nanofiber web is collected on a collector. The process includes applying a high voltage to the electrode and grounding the spinneret such that an electric field is generated between the spinneret and the electrode of sufficient strength to impart an electrical charge on the polymer as it issues from the spinning nozzle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming non-woven fiber mats from polymers and monomers that are traditionally difficult to use for fiber formation are shown and described. Applicable techniques include electrospinning and other traditional fiber formation methods. Suitable polymers and monomers include those having low molecular weight, a low melting point, and/or a low glass transition temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of electrospun fibers. In particular, the present invention relates to core-sheath fibers and related electrospinning methods. The fibers of the invention comprise poorly water soluble drugs and/or proteins.

Abstract: In a method for producing a polyamide nanofiber product that contains PTFE particles, a spinning solution containing polyamide, PTFE, and a conductivity-increasing additive is provided and nanofibers are produced by electrospinning from the spinning solution. The conductivity-increasing additive is an acid-resistant additive; a surfactant additive; or an acid-resistant and surfactant additive and contains one or more organic salts. The polyamide nanofiber product with PTFE particles is used in filter media and is especially applied to a filter layer of cellulose or synthetic material.

Abstract: Disclosed are an artificial dura mater and manufacturing method thereof. The artificial dura mater includes electrospun layers prepared by electrostatic spinning, at least one of which is a hydrophobic electrospun layer. Further, above the hydrophobic electrospun layer, there can be at least one hydrophilic electrospun layer. A transition layer can be further included between the hydrophobic and the hydrophilic electrospun layers. Additionally, cytokines and/or medicines can be affixed to either or both of the hydrophobic and the hydrophilic electrospun layers, by way of bio-printing. The disclosed artificial dura mater shows good biocompatibility, enhances dural tissue regeneration, achieves excellent repairing effects, prevents adhesion, allows complete absorption, has good mechanical properties, ensures low infection rates, and can be loaded with therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Dimensionally stable nonwoven fibrous webs include a multiplicity of continuous fibers formed from one or more thermoplastic polyesters and polypropylene in an amount greater than 0% and no more than 10% by weight of the web. The webs have at least one dimension which decreases by no greater than 10% in the plane of the web when heated to a temperature above a glass transition temperature of the fibers. A spunbond process may be used to produce substantially continuous fibers that exhibit molecular orientation. A meltblown process may be used to produce discontinuous fibers that do not exhibit molecular orientation. In some embodiments, the fibers comprise a viscosity modifier and/or an anionic surfactant. The webs may be used as articles for filtration, sound absorption, thermal insulation, surface cleaning, cellular growth support, drug delivery, personal hygiene, medical apparel, or wound dressing.

Abstract: Various embodiments herein include utilities for generating embosser drums that are used to pre-format optical media such as optical tape with a pattern of nanostructures such as wobbled grooves. One utility includes generating a plurality of replicas from an embossing master and bonding the replicas together to form a bonded replica structure having a surface with the nanostructure pattern imprinted therein and a surface area that is approximately the same as an outer embossing surface of the embosser drum to be formed. Advantageously, a single, one-piece metallic shim can subsequently be generated, appropriately shaped and welded at a single seam to form the embosser drum outer embossing surface.

Abstract: A method of preparing antimicrobial-containing polymeric products is provided, the method involving electrospinning a dispersion comprising a dispersible polymer, a fiberizing polymer, and one or more antimicrobial agents. The electrospun material is heated to remove solvent and the fiberizing polymer, giving a nonwoven polymeric material having antimicrobial agent incorporated therein. The material can be in the form of, for example, a non-woven sheet, tube, or covering.