Abstract: An electrospinning apparatus is described. The electrospinning apparatus has a rotary nozzle mechanism that moves simultaneously along a non-linear track for forming polymeric fibrils, so that the polymeric fibrils can be piled to form a uniform web on a receiving carrier from any receiving angle. Therefore, the electrospinning apparatus resolves problems of the prior polymeric fibrils, such as various distribution and slow production rate. In addition, a method of manufacturing polymeric fibrils in the aforementioned electrospinning apparatus is further described.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to stabilize the properties of nanofibers produced. Solution prepared by dissolving a polymeric substance in a solvent is supplied into a conductive ejection container having a plurality of ejection holes. The ejection container is rotated and electrostatic explosions of the solution discharged through the ejection holes are caused so that nanofibers are produced. In the above method for producing nanofibers, in the case where the amount of the solution contained in the ejection container exceeds a predetermined amount, the amount of the solution exceeding the predetermined amount overflow the ejection container. The overflowed solution is collected and resupplied to the ejection container.

Abstract: Provided is a nanofiber spinning method and device for producing a high strength and uniform yarn made of nanofibers with high productivity and at a low cost. The device includes: a nanofiber producing unit (2) which produces nanofibers (11) by extruding polymer solution, prepared by dissolving polymeric substances in a solvent, through small holes (7) and charging the polymer solution, and by allowing the polymer solution to be stretched by an electrostatic explosion, and which allows the nanofibers to travel in a single direction; a collecting electrode unit (3) to which an electric potential different from that of the charged polymer solution is applied, and which attracts the produced nanofibers (11) while simultaneously rotating and twisting the nanofibers, and gathers them for forming a yarn (20) made of the nanofibers (11); and a collecting unit (5) which collects the yarn (20) passed through the center of the collecting electrode unit (3).

Abstract: In accordance with the invention there are devices and processes for making ceramic nanofiber mats and ceramic filters for use in high temperature and in corrosive environments. The process for forming a ceramic filter can include electrospinning a preceramic polymer solution into a preceramic polymer fiber having a diameter from about 10 nm to about 1 micron and forming a preceramic polymer fiber web from the preceramic polymer fiber onto a collector. The process can also include pyrolyzing the preceramic polymer fiber web to form a ceramic nanofiber mat having a diameter less than the diameter of the preceramic polymer fiber, the ceramic nanofiber mat comprising one or more of an oxide ceramic and a non-oxide ceramic such that the ceramic fiber mat can withstand temperature greater than about 1000° C.

Abstract: The invention relates to scaffolds for use as medical devices, for guided tissue regeneration and repair, wherein the relationship between fibre diameter and pore size in a scaffold is decoupled, thereby enabling the small fibre diameters required for cell attachment and proliferation and the large pore sizes needed for cell migration into the scaffold to be achieved.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to, in one embodiment, a composite electrospun nanofiber being formed of a nanofiber and a particle at least partially embedded within the nanofiber, the particle having a width that is greater than the diameter of the fiber so that at least a portion of the particle is not covered by the nanofiber.

Abstract: A method of producing a microtube is provided. The method comprising co-electrospinning two polymeric solutions through co-axial capillaries to thereby produce the microtube, wherein a first polymeric solution of the two polymeric solutions is for forming a shell of the microtube and a second polymeric solution of the two polymeric solutions is for forming a coat over an internal surface of the shell, the first polymeric solution is selected solidifying faster than the second polymeric solution and a solvent of the second polymeric solution is selected incapable of dissolving the first polymeric solution. Also provided are electrospun microtubes.

Abstract: The instant invention generally provides a process for extruding a melt of a mixture comprising a molecularly self-assembling (MSA) material and at least one first rheological additive to give a shaped MSA material, a shaped MSA material produced by the process, and an article comprising the shaped MSA material. The instant invention also generally provides a composition comprising a MSA material and at least one second rheological additive, a process of electrospinning the composition, and a fiber prepared by the electrospinning process.

Abstract: Nanometer scale structures, and methods of making the same are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a guided bone regeneration membrane including a novel mechanism that effectively induces a bone reconstruction ability. The mechanism is provided by forming a bi-layered structure of a first nonwoven fabric layer containing a silicon-releasable calcium carbonate and a poly(lactic acid) as principal components and a second nonwoven fabric layer containing a poly(lactic acid) as a principal component; and coating the first nonwoven fabric layer with an apatite. The guided bone regeneration membrane is available by using a nonwoven fabric manufacturing technique through electrospinning and a simulated body fluid soaking technique.

Abstract: An electrospinning device is described for producing nanofibrous porous structures. The device comprises three or more neighbouring outlets (11) separated from one another by a distance of at least 4 cm and positioned in a first plane (12). The device also comprises a second surface (13) for receiving output from the outlets. A relative movement between the three or more neighbouring outlets (11) and the second surface (13) can be applied in a first direction and second direction, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The second surface (13) thereby is facing the first plane wherein the outlets are positioned. The device furthermore comprises a voltage source (9) adapted to apply a potential difference between the first surface and the second surface. It furthermore may comprise a recipient for containing a solution or melt to be electrospun from the outlets and comprises a providing means for providing (10) the solution or melt to the outlets.

Abstract: A method for electrostatic spinning of thermoplastic polymers for obtaining nano and microfibers, is introduced. The method if characterized by the following steps: solving the thermoplastic polymer in a corresponding solvent; adding a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) to this solution, and introducing the solution into an electric field and spinning under the effect of the electric field to nano and microfibers.

Abstract: Disclosed are a nano fiber reinforced composite and a method of manufacturing the same. A spinning dope (nano fiber forming spinning dope) having a viscosity capable of fiber formation upon electrospinning and a spinning dope (spinning dope for matrix) having a viscosity incapable of fiber formation upon electrospinning are electrically spun onto the same collector with a high voltage applied thereto through different nozzles of the same nozzle block with a high voltage applied thereto. In the nano fiber reinforced composite, nano fibers are uniformly arranged between matrix components with no fibers formed therein, the nano fibers being arranged at an orientation angle of 90° or less relative to the longitudinal axis of the composite material.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an apparatus and a method for the manufacture of a three-dimensional scaffold at low temperatures and the respective use of this method and apparatus.

Abstract: An electro-spinning apparatus includes a spinning jet, a stuff supply unit, a solvent supply unit, a collection unit, and a voltage driving unit. The spinning jet has a first channel and a second channel. The first channel has a first outlet, and the second channel has a second outlet. The stuff supply unit is connected to the first channel and supplies a liquid stuff to the first outlet. The solvent supply unit is connected to the second channel and supplies a gaseous solvent to the second outlet. The voltage driving unit applies a voltage difference between the spinning jet and the collection unit, so that the liquid stuff is spun and collected to the collection unit after being output from the first outlet and passing through the gaseous solvent released from the second outlet. Besides, an electro-spinning method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an intraluminal catheter device for use in angioplasty and delivery of a therapeutic agent. Particularly, the present invention is directed to a catheter having an expandable member having a therapeutic agent disposed thereon and a fibrous matrix covering for delivering a therapeutic agent and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Nanofibers are formed from a polymer material by rotating a conductive rotating container having a plurality of small holes while supplying a polymer solution formed by dissolving a polymer material in a solvent into the rotating container, charging the polymer solution discharged from the small holes of the rotating container by charging means, and drawing the discharged filamentous polymer solution by centrifugal force and an electrostatic explosion resulting from evaporation of the solvent. The nanofibers from this production step are oriented and made to flow from one side toward the other side in a shaft center direction of the rotating container by a reflecting electrode and/or blowing means, or those nanofibers are deposited, to produce a polymer web. The nanofibers and the polymer web using these nanofibers can be produced uniformly by a simple configuration with good productivity.

Abstract: A process for fabricating fibers, including nano-scale fibers, comprising electrospinning a melt of a self assembling material and fibers fabricated by the process are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a fiber spinning process comprising the steps of providing a polymer solution, which comprises at least one polymer dissolved in at least one solvent with a vapor pressure of at least about 6 kPa at 25° C., to a spinneret, issuing the polymer solution in combination with a blowing gas in a direction away from at least one spinning nozzle in the spinneret and in the presence of an electric field wherein the polymer solution is discharged through the spinning nozzle at a discharge rate between about 6 to about 100 ml/min/hole, forming fibers, and collecting the fibers on a collector.

Abstract: A process to make a polyolefin fiber which has the following steps: mixing at least one polyolefin into a solution at room temperature or a slightly elevated temperature to form a polymer solution and electrospinning at room temperature said polymer solution to form a fiber.

Abstract: The filter provided herein includes one or more nanofibers. In some examples of the filter, the nanofibers include one or more nanoparticles, in which the nanoparticles are at least partially surrounded by pockets.

Abstract: Nanofibers and microfibers having a core and a polymer shell surrounding the core are provided. The shell includes a plurality of channels that extend from an outer shell surface to the core, and one or more agents, such as pharmacological materials, proteins, viruses, plasmid DNA, bacterial cells, drug-loaded nanoparticles, are encapsulated within the core. The one or more agents discharge from the core through the channels at a controlled rate. The channels are formed by porogen material within the polymer shell.

Abstract: The present invention provides for concentrated aqueous silk fibroin solutions and an all-aqueous mode for preparation of concentrated aqueous fibroin solutions that avoids the use of organic solvents, direct additives, or harsh chemicals. The invention further provides for the use of these solutions in production of materials, e.g., fibers, films, foams, meshes, scaffolds and hydrogels.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a number of synthetic protein triblock copolymers are provided comprising first and second end hydrophobic blocks separated by a central hydrophilic block. In particular, the synthetic proteins are elastin-mimetic proteins having improved mechanical characteristics and related methods of making the proteins with the capability of providing precise control over the mechanical properties. Provided are proteins used in a number of medical devices such as artificial blood vessels, shunts, stents or as embolic agents in situations where it is desired to stop or reduce blood flow or pressure in a localized region.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bio-electrospinning technique for preparing a cell-containing, oriented, continuous tubular scaffold, made of biodegradable polymer, designed for use as a nerve guide conduit (NGC) in nerve regeneration. With a coaxial spinneret, the PC-12 cell medium solution was co-electrospun into a core of tubular fibers, with PLA on the outer shell. The resulted fibers' morphology was characterized via SEM and optical microscopy, and following structural characteristics were found: 1. the larger, hollow fibers had diameters in tenth of microns and wall thicknesses around few microns, 2. an orientation in a preferred direction with the aid of a high-rotating collection device. The fluorescent PC12 cells embedded within the scaffold were cultured and nerve growth factor was added. We observed cells could not only survive the process, but also sustain their viability by undergoing differentiation process, extending neurite along the micro tubular scaffold in the desired direction.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a process for fabricating fibers and nonwoven webs, preferably sub-micron fibers and nonwoven webs, comprising electroblowing a fluid comprising a self-assembling material, and articles made therefrom.

Abstract: A method for electroblowing fibers is provided which involves the steps of: forcing a polymer fluid through a spinneret in a first direction towards a collector located a first distance from the spinneret, while simultaneously blowing a gas through an orifice that is substantially concentrically arranged around the spinneret, wherein the gas is blown substantially in the first direction; wherein an electrostatic differential is generated between the spinneret and the collector; and collecting the fibers, and its use in preparing submicron scale fibers of various types, particularly hyaluronan fibers, and the hyaluronan nanofibers thus formed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for forming fibers from a spinning solution utilizing a high speed rotary sprayer. The fibers can be collected into a uniform web for selective barrier end uses. Fibers with an average fiber diameter of less that 1,000 nm can be produced.

Abstract: Nanofibers and methods for making the nanofibers are described. Porous metal oxide nanofibers and porous metal oxide nanofibers comprising metal nanoparticles made via electrospinning methods are also described.

Abstract: Rotary spinning processes, more particularly processes for making hydroxyl polymer-containing fibers using a rotary spinning die, hydroxyl polymer-containing fibers made by the processes and webs made with the hydroxyl polymer-containing fibers are provided.

Abstract: Polysaccharide nanofibers having anti-microbial properties, said nanofibers comprising an alginate and having silver nanoparticles dispersed throughout the nanofibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing polymer fibers, especially nano- and mesofibers, by the electrospinning process, in which a colloidal dispersion of at least one essentially water-insoluble polymer and of at least one nonionic surfactant, if appropriate further comprising at least one water-soluble polymer, is electrospun in an aqueous medium. The present invention further relates to fibers obtainable by this process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nanofiber web preparing apparatus and method via electro-blown spinning. The nanofiber web preparing method includes feeding a polymer solution, which is a polymer dissolved into a given solvent, toward a spinning nozzle, discharging the polymer solution via the spinning nozzle, which is charged with a high voltage, while injecting compressed air via the lower end of the spinning nozzle, and collecting fiber spun in the form of a web on a grounded suction collector under the spinning nozzle, in which both of thermoplastic and thermosetting resins are applicable, the solution does not need to be heated and electrical insulation is readily realized.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to metal oxide fibers and nanofibers, the processes for making same, and uses thereof. Such metal oxide nanofibers possess the ability to absorb and decompose chemical warfare agents and other toxic chemicals. These nanofibers can be incorporated into protective clothing and devices for breathing or in another example may be used in lithium-ion batteries. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to titania, alumina, and/or magnesia fibers and nanofibers, and to processes for making same. In another instance, alpha-phase aluminum oxide is utilized as one material in nanofibers.

Abstract: A method and device for the production of polymer filaments with a diameter of less than one micron. A plurality of polymer components are extruded through a spin pack and then attenuated using gas flows which are accelerated to achieve high velocity by means of a converging, diverging nozzle. The plurality polymer components may be extruded in an islands in the sea or segmented pie configuration. As a result of the high velocity gas flow, the plural components are split apart into their individual components resulting in filaments and fibers having a diameter or minor dimension of less than one micron.

Abstract: A novel solvent system for dissolving rigid-rod like polymers, such as polybenzoxazole (PBO), is disclosed, wherein said solvent system includes: a methanesulfonic acid (MSA) and a trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). Therefore, the rigid-rod like polybenzoxazole (PBO) can be easily dissolved in said solvent system without extra heat treatment. Besides, the polybenzoxazole (PBO) solution of said solvent system is firstly able to apply into electrospinning at room temperature to produce PBO nano-fiber, which has metallic luster and high thermal stability. Evident supported by the WAXD suggested these fibers have their molecular chains well aligned along the fiber spinning direction and has the advantages of heat resistance, flame retardance, and chemical environmental resistance, thus can be applied to a wide usage.

Abstract: A process for producing a fiber assembly or agglomerate requiring micropores, such as for a battery separator or any of various filters, which is performed by electrostatic spinning and provides high productivity and ease of maintenance, is provided. The process for producing a microfiber assembly or agglomerate by electrostatic spinning includes continuously forming bubbles on a polymer solution or a polymer melt and applying high voltage to the formed bubbles. The bubbles can be formed by passing compressed air through porous material of one or a combination of two or more of plastic, ceramic and metal materials, or capillaries.

Abstract: A method of making a fiber-reinforced medical balloon is described herein. The method entails pressurizing a portion of a balloon, and ejecting a fiber precursor fluid from at least one nozzle adjacent to the portion. One or more fibers are formed from the fiber precursor fluid and deposited on an exterior surface of the portion. Preferably, the fibers are polymer nanofibers, and the method is carried out using an electrospinning process.

Abstract: A apparatus and process of forming electrospun fibers including the steps of supplying a substantially homogeneous mixture of a solvent and a polymer which can be formed into an electrospun fiber; electrospinning the polymer into a fiber in an enclosed chamber; monitoring the humidity in said chamber; and changing the partial pressure of solvent evaporation to thereby modify the morphology of the thus formed fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides micro- and nanofibers made from polymers that comprise nanoparticles, such as carbon nanoparticles and inorganic nanoparticles, and methods of making such fibers.

Abstract: Nucleic acid materials for FRET-based luminescence and methods of making and using the nucleic acid materials are provided. The nucleic acid materials provide an innovative and synergistic combination of three disparate elements: a nucleic acid material, the processing technique for forming a nucleic acid material into films, fibers, nanofibers, or non-woven meshes, and nonradiative energy transfer. This combination can be formed into electrospun fibers, nanofibers, and non-woven meshes of a nucleic acid material-cationic lipid complex with encapsulated chromophores capable of nonradiative energy transfer such as efficient Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET).

Abstract: Disclosed are a nano fiber reinforced composite and a method of manufacturing the same. A spinning dope (nano fiber forming spinning dope) having a viscosity capable of fiber formation upon electrospinning and a spinning dope (spinning dope for matrix) having a viscosity incapable of fiber formation upon electrospinning are electrically spun onto the same collector with a high voltage applied thereto through different nozzles of the same nozzle block with a high voltage applied thereto. In the nano fiber reinforced composite, nano fibers are uniformly arranged between matrix components with no fibers formed therein, the nano fibers being arranged at an orientation angle of 90° or less relative to the longitudinal axis of the composite material.

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

Abstract: A process for producing a composite conductive fibrous material is provided which includes the steps of providing a conductive fibrous web and supporting the conductive fibrous web with a nonconductive support member. A polymer stream is provided and a voltage is established between the conductive fibrous web and the polymer stream. In this manner, the polymer stream is attracted to the conductive web. Nanofibers are produced by the polymer stream and collected on the conductive web.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method of forming functionally active fibers and substrates comprising functionally active fibers. The method includes forming a mixture of at least one poly vinyl polymer and at least one bleaching 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: The invention relates to a nanofiber web preparing apparatus and method via electro-blown spinning. The nanofiber web preparing method includes feeding a polymer solution, which is a polymer dissolved into a given solvent, toward a spinning nozzle, discharging the polymer solution via the spinning nozzle, which is charged with a high voltage, while injecting compressed air via the lower end of the spinning nozzle, and collecting fiber spun in the form of a web on a grounded suction collector under the spinning nozzle, in which both of thermoplastic and thermosetting resins are applicable, the solution does not need to be heated and electrical insulation is readily realized.

Abstract: A method for fabrication of an optical transparency, that includes electrospinning of an Indium Tin Oxide sol polymer solution such that nanofibers are formed, heat treating the electrospun nanofibers such that the Indium Tin Oxide is in a conductive form, and dispersing the heat treated nanofibers into a substantially optically clear polymer.

Abstract: A polymer electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell, a method of preparing the same, and a fuel cell system comprising the same. The polymer electrolyte membrane includes a metal-bound inorganic ion-conductive salt and an ion-conductive cation exchange resin.

Abstract: A filter media is formed from electrospun fine fibers and coarse fibers which are entangled and integrated together into a single fiber composite filter media layer.

Abstract: A fibrous catalytic filter can be used for treating a fluid stream containing particulate matter. The fluid stream is contacted with fibers comprising a catalytic composition. The particulate matter deposits on the fibers and undesirable species within the fluid stream are converted into more desirable species via the catalytic action of the fibers.