Abstract: The invention relates to porous films comprising crosslinked electrospun hydrogel fibers. Viable microbes are encapsulated within the crosslinked electrospun hydrogel fibers. The crosslinked electrospun hydrogel fibers are water insoluble and permeable. The invention also relates to methods of making and using such porous films.

Abstract: An electrostatic spinning apparatus includes a feeding device, at least one linear electrode, at least one collecting electrode, and a high-voltage power supply. The feeding device includes a tank and a roller and an electrostatic spinning solution is contained in the tank. The roller is rolled in the tank. The linear electrode is contact with the roller to absorb the electrostatic spinning solution onto the linear electrode. The collecting electrode is disposed equidistantly to the linear electrode. The high-voltage power supply is connected with the linear electrode and the collecting electrode to opposite charge the linear electrode and the collecting electrode. The electrostatic spinning solution is guided to the collecting electrode from linear electrode and formed an electrostatic spinning fiber.

Abstract: A nonwoven fibrous structure and process for forming it, which is an interconnecting web of polyolefin filaments having filament widths greater than about 1 micrometer which are further interconnected with webs of smaller polyolefin filaments having filament widths less than about 1 micrometer, wherein the smaller polyolefin filaments comprise a majority of all filaments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biocompatible material, such as a guided tissue regeneration membrane (GTR membrane), a guided bone regeneration membrane (GBR membrane), a sheet material, a patch material, or a compensation material, which has a porous structure to allow transportation of the various factors to induce or facilitate the regeneration. The present invention also provides a manufacturing method for the biocompatible material. The present invention forms a biocompatible material from a nano- or microfiber nonwoven fabric fabricated by an electrospinning method, thereby easily producing a porous biocompatible material that allows transportation of the various factors to induce or facilitate the regeneration.

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: A superhydrophobic coating of a nonwoven material is coated with a spongy mesh structure in the micro and nano ranges.

Abstract: An electrostatic spray apparatus configured such that multiple spinning units, each having multiple nozzles arranged two-dimensionally to electrostatically spray a polymer solution and a first collector disposed so as to be opposed to the multiple nozzles via an insulating sheet, are installed on collecting sections for holding a moving collecting sheet, and such that an air stream is formed orthogonal to the spray direction from the nozzles to the first collector and toward the collecting sheet inside the spinning unit.

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 spinneret and grounding the electrode 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: A fiber spinning process which provides an uncharged, electrically conductive polymer-containing liquid stream, issues said liquid stream in combination with a forwarding gas in a direction from at least one spinning nozzle in said spinneret, passes said liquid stream through an ion flow formed by corona discharge to impart electrical charge to the liquid stream, forms fine polymer fibers of said polymer and collects said fine polymer fibers.

Abstract: A thin, uniform membrane comprising polymeric fibrils or a combination of fibrils and particles, wherein the fibrils have randomly convoluted cross-sections, and a process for making the membrane are disclosed. The membrane may be on the surface of a substrate as part of a composite sheet, or as a stand-alone structure.

Abstract: A method and means of providing stromal repair and improved refractive correction by creating corneal stromal collagen tissue with fibril diameter and spacing that duplicates the optical transmission and diffusion characteristics of natural corneal collagen. The repair method includes implanting the collagen scaffold during laser corneal ablation or other interlamellar surgery to improve visual acuity or to preclude the possibility of ectasia.

Abstract: A ceramic fiber having an average fiber diameter of from 50 to 1000 nm, a fiber length of 100 ?m or more, and a BET specific surface area of from 0.1 to 10 m2/g.

Abstract: A method for electrospinning nanofibers having a core-sheath, tubular, or composite structure is disclosed. The process uses a spinneret having first and second capillaries that channel first and second fluids in the spinneret, the second capillary surrounding the first. A high voltage is applied between the spinneret and a spaced conductive collector. In one embodiment, the first fluid is a mineral oil and the second fluid is a polymeric solution that may include a polymer, a catalyst, a solvent, and a sol-gel precursor. The as-spun nanofiber includes an oil core and a composite sheath. The oil may be removed to produce a composite tubular fiber or the polymer and oil may be removed by calcination to produce a ceramic tubular fiber. In other embodiments, miscible fluids are used to produce porous nanofibers, selected additives functionalize the surfaces of the nanofibers and/or conjugated polymers are used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composite comprising a semi-permeable barrier layer that is permeable to oxygen and impermeable to moisture; and a scaffold fiber layer formed by electrospinning fibers on one side of the barrier layer.

Abstract: A conventional electrospinning devices is problematic in that the productivity is low and a droplet, by which a spinning liquid is not formed into fiber but dropped in a drop shape, occurs, to thereby deteriorate the quality of a nonwoven fabric. To solve the above problem, the present invention provides an bottom-up electrospinning devices, comprising: a spinning liquid main tank 1; a metering pump 2; a nozzle block 4; nozzles 5 installed on the nozzle block; a collector 7 for collecting fibers being spun from the nozzle block; and a voltage generator 9 for applying a voltage to the nozzle block 4 and the collector 7, wherein [A] the outlets of nozzles 5 installed on a nozzle block are formed in an upper direction; [B] a collector 7 is located on the top part of the nozzle block; and [C] a spinning liquid discharge device 12 is connected to the uppermost part of the nozzle block 4.

Abstract: A method and means of providing an improved refractive correction contact lens which increases user comfort, retards protein and lipid deposition, and can be utilized for pharmaceutical delivery. The invention discloses a technique for creating polymer fibril diameters and spacing that duplicates the optical transmission and diffusion characteristics of natural corneal collagen.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrode of a supercapacitor is provided. First, a poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN) fabric is provided. The PAN fabric includes a plurality of PAN fibers each having a diameter of about 50-500 nm. Then, the PAN fabric undergoes a heat treatment so that the PAN fibers are carbonized to form a carbon fiber textile. The carbon fiber fabric includes a plurality of carbon fibers each having a diameter of about 50-500 nm. The surface of each carbon fiber is nano-porous having a plurality of nano pores of about 1-50 nm in diameter. The total surface area of the nano pores account for about 85-95% of the total surface area of the carbon fibers. The carbon fiber fabric is then cut to acquire the electrode of the supercapacitor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for forming nanofibers from a spinning solution utilizing a high speed rotating spin disk having a flat surface. The nanofibers can be collected into a uniform web for selective barrier end uses.

Abstract: Compositions comprising clay minerals and methods for their use in promoting hemostasis are provided. The compositions comprise clay minerals such as bentonite, and facilitate blood clotting when applied to a hemorrhaging wound. Electrospun or electrosprayed materials (e.g. bandages, micron beads, etc.) which include clay minerals, and methods for the treatment of acute hemorrhage, are also provided.

Abstract: Electrospinning apparatus and methods for spinning a polymer fiber from a fluid comprising a polymer in the presence of an electric field established between at least one collector and a jet supply device, in a first embodiment comprising: a) forming an electrospinning jet stream of the fluid directed toward the at least one collector; b) controlling dispersion characteristics of the fluid by applying a magnetic field between the jet supply device and the at least one collector; c) forming at least one polymer fiber at the at least one collector; and in a second embodiment comprising: a) forming an electrospinning jet stream of the fluid directed toward a plurality of collectors; b) controlling dispersion characteristics of the fluid by applying different voltages to at least two collectors of the plurality of collectors; c) forming at least one polymer fiber at least one collector of the plurality of collectors.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing carbon fibers having a sufficiently small fiber diameter, and more particularly to (1) a method for producing carbon fibers, which comprising the steps of jetting a polymer material-containing solution by an electrospinning method to form a deposit layer of a fibrous substance comprising the polymer material and firing the deposit layer of the fibrous substance comprising the polymer material to produce carbon fibers, and (2) a method for producing carbon fibers, which comprising the steps of jetting a carbon black-dispersed and polymer material-containing solution by an electrospinning method to form a deposit layer of a fibrous substance comprising the carbon black-dispersed polymer material and irradiating microwaves to the deposit layer of the fibrous substance to produce carbon fibers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, methods, and uses for isolated biomolecule-containing fibers. The invention also relates to isolated, elongated biopolymers such as nucleic acids, polypeptides, lipids, and carbohydrates within fibers. The invention relates to methods of detecting and analyzing biomolecules in fibers using light, electrons, and neutrons. The invention further relates to methods of determining the sequence, structure, and properties of isolated, elongated biopolymers fixed within fibers.

Abstract: A biodegradable microfiber absorbent comprises a substantially homogeneous mixture of at least one hydrophilic polymer and at least one biodegradable polymer. The absorbent can be prepared by an electro hydrodynamic spinning of a substantially homogeneous polymer mixture. Medical dressings for burns and wounds, cavity dressings, drug delivery patches, face masks, implants, drug carriers that comprises at least one microfiber electrospun from a polymer mixture are provided. The dressings can have variable water vapor penetration characteristics and variable biodegradation times.

Abstract: A polymer solution that is prepared by dissolving a polymeric substance in a solvent is supplied into a cylindrical container serving as a rotating container having a plurality of small holes. The cylindrical container is driven to rotate by rotation drive means, and an electric field is applied by high voltage generating means to polymeric filaments discharged from the small holes so that they become electrically charged. Then, primary and secondary electrostatic explosions associated with the centrifugal force and the evaporation of the solvent take place, drawing the polymeric filaments and producing nanofibers made of the polymeric substance. These nanofibers are deposited to produce a polymeric web. Accordingly, by employing a simple structure, nanofibers and a polymeric web utilizing them can be produced evenly with excellent productivity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generation of fine fibers via electro-spinning from a polymer solution is provided. The spray or spinning electrode is dipped in a polymer solution to maintain a polymer solution coating on the electrode for electrostatic spinning of fine fibers. A cover provides an evaporation barrier that reduces solvent loss. The drive unit may move the electrode around the cover to facilitate dipping of part of the electrode while exposing another part of the electrode for electro-spinning of fine fibers.

Abstract: A filament type nano-sized long fiber and a method of producing the same. In the method, a spinning solution or a spinning melt is electro-spun in drops using a spinneret to which a critical voltage is applied, and the spun drops are continuously collected on a multi-collector. The spinning solution is produced by dissolving a blend or copolymer consisting of two or more kinds of polymers in a solvent. The spinning melt is produced by melting the polymers. The multi-collector is selected from the group consisting of a plate type collector, a roll type collector, and a combination thereof. The filament type nano-sized long fiber is processed into a yarn through one step during the electrospinning process, and thus, mechanical properties are better than those of a conventional nanofiber non-woven fabric. Consequently, the filament type nano-sized long fiber can be utilized for the extended application.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an inhalation device by which nano-sized particles of a medicine are able to be stably present without aggregation even in air or the like where no dispersing solvent is present. A device for inhalation of medicine according to the present invention for solving such a problem is that where medicine particles in a nano- to micron-size are adhered to a matrix comprising a nano fiber to such an extent that the particles are detached by inspiration permeating through the matrix.

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 method of fiber formation by electrical-mechanical spinning is disclosed. A liquid starting material is fed to a rotating annular member such as a spinning cup. The liquid material is directed by centrifugal force to the periphery of the annular member where it is expelled in fibrous form. An electric charge is imposed on the liquid while on the annular member or while immediately being expelled from the annular member.

Abstract: An apparatus for aspirating and/or cleansing wounds comprising a flow path comprising a wound dressing having a backing layer and at least one outlet pipe for connection to a fluid off take tube and which has a wound contact integer which in use is in contact with the wound bed and in which the wound contact integer comprises a biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable fibrous electrospun scaffold.

Abstract: A method of fiber production relating in general to electrospinning and specifically to MEMS (Micro ElectroMechanical Structures). Utilizing integrated circuit manufacturing processes, a nanoscale, self-contained device has been developed to execute the process of electrospinning large arrays of fibers and fiber arrays. One of the benefits of using the disclosed MEMS device is that the voltage required to produce a “so called” Taylor Cone would is substantially reduced and the requirement of a hydrostatic feed negated through the use of passive capillarity based wick surface treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to liquid entrapping devices (e.g., absorbent non-woven fibrous mats) and to a process for preparing such devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to mechanically strong absorbent materials made from such liquid entrapping devices (e.g., non-woven fibrous mats) and to a method for preparing same. In one embodiment, a liquid entrapping device of the present invention comprises at least one hydrophilic elastomeric fibrous component (HEFC) and at least one wetting agent component. In another embodiment, a liquid entrapping device of the present invention comprise at least one hydrophilic elastomeric fibrous component (HEFC), at least one absorbent component, and at least one wetting agent component. In one instance, the wetting agent component of the present invention is contained on and/or within the fibers and/or nanofibers that form the liquid entrapping device (e.g., a non-woven fibrous mat) of the present invention.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an electrospinning apparatus for producing aligned and crossed nanofibers and method of electrospinning using said apparatus to produce aligned and crossed nanofibers.

Abstract: A polymer-micelle complex suitable for use as an aid to preparing fibers, particularly nanofibers, by electrospinning. The polymer-micelle complex may be designed to impart viscosity, surface tension and conductivity properties optimal for electrospinning. By incorporating the complex as a secondary ingredient, one may electrospin sparingly soluble or low molecular weight polymers. Moreover, the polymer-micelle complex can be used as a generic carrier for preparing fibers incorporating other desired materials, such as rigid or globular (hard-to-spin) polymers, enzymes, cells, viral particles and nanoparticles.

Abstract: Described are fiber materials having improved malodor scavenger properties and a process for the manufacture of said materials. In particular, described are fiber materials usable in the manufacture of disposable or washable diapers, incontinent products, sanitary napkins and other such hygiene and personal care articles with improved malodor scavenger properties, and to methods of manufacturing such materials. It has been found that the incorporation of, especially nanosized, metal particles and/or a cyclodextrin material into fibers creates a “reactive” material having excellent malodor scavenging properties. More specifically, it has been found that the presence of nanosized metal or metal alloy particles and/or a cyclodextrin material in a fiber material, preferably a synthetic polymer material and more preferably a synthetic thermoplastic polymer fiber material leads to fiber materials or nonwovens having odor-controlling properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making a nonwoven web with desired fiber orientation, the method including the steps of providing a source of fibers, subjecting the fibers to an electrostatic charge, deflecting the fibers with a non-contacting deflecting device, collecting the fibers on a moving forming surface to form the nonwoven web. The invention also provides an apparatus for forming fibrous nonwoven webs, the apparatus comprising a source of fibers, a device for applying an electrostatic charge to the fibers, a non-contacting fiber deflecting device adapted to affect the fibers while the fibers are under the influence of the applied electrostatic charge, and a forming surface for collecting the fibers as a fibrous nonwoven web.

Abstract: A titania fiber which is excellent in a balance between a BET specific surface area and which is able to reveal sufficient photocatalytic activity while having mechanical strength and a method for manufacturing the subject titania fiber are provided. By using a titanium oxide particle-containing as a fiber forming composition for forming a titania fiber, a fiber aggregate is manufactured from the subject composition by an electrospinning method and then baked, thereby obtaining a titania fiber which has an average fiber diameter of 50 nm or more and not more than 1,000 nm; when a reflection method by a goniometer is employed, has a crystallite size of 50 nm or more and not more than 200 nm; and has a BET specific surface area of 3 m2/g or more and not more than 100 m2/g.

Abstract: A method of forming a fiber made of peptide nanostructures is disclosed. The method comprises: providing peptide nanostructures in solution, and fiberizing the solution thereby forming at least one fiber of the peptide nanostructures. Also disclosed are methods of forming films and other articles using the peptide nanostructures.

Abstract: A dye-sensitized solar cell having improved photoelectric conversion characteristic includes a metal oxide layer having dye-adsorbed metal oxide nanoparticles, wherein the metal oxide nanoparticles are formed by electrospinning a mixed solution of a metal oxide precursor and a polymer into ultrafine composite fibers, and thermally compressing and sintering the ultrafine composite fibers.

Abstract: Provided are methods for dissolving polyamides under ambient conditions and for forming polyamide nanofibers by electrospinning. Also provided are methods for incorporating nanoparticles, including nanotubes, into such nanofibers.

Abstract: Described herein are improvements to processes and equipment for the manufacture of nonwoven webs useful in numerous applications including personal care, protective apparel, and industrial products. The fiber and/or filaments used to form the nonwoven fabric are deposited on a forming surface in a controlled orientation using application of an electrostatic charge to the fibers and/or filaments in combination with directing them to an electrode deflector plate while under the influence of the charge. The plate may be made up of teeth with a separation and angle orientation that are selected in accordance with the desired arrangement of the fibers and/or filaments in the nonwoven web. As a result, properties of the web such as relative strengths in the machine direction and cross-machine direction can be controlled. The charging of the pins is controlled so that not all pins remain at maximum charge during a cycle with the result that extended run times may be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a method for making sol-gel ceramic nanofibers, and the compositions resulting from practicing such method. Fibers so formed can be used for fabricating filter media and a wide variety of other ceramic fiber structures and devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to polymer filaments and methods for their production. In particular, although not exclusively, the invention relates to conducting polymer filaments and their production from solutions of polymerisable oxidizable monomer units.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for producing nanowires and nanotubes by treating a fiber comprising at least one support material and at least one thermoelectrically active material or a precursor compound of a thermoelectrically active material, to a nanowire comprising at least one thermoelectrically active material and having a diameter of ?200 nm and a length of ?1 mm, to nanotubes comprising at least one thermoelectrically active material and having a diameter of ?200 nm, a wall thickness of ?30 nm and a length of ?1 mm, and to the use of the nanowires or nanotubes for thermoelectric heating, for electricity generation, in sensors or for temperature control.

Abstract: An apparatus for making electrspun fibers comprises a collector that may be submerged in a coagulation bath. The collector may be automatically movable between a first position and a second position, wherein at least a portion of the collected fibers are submerged in a coagulation bath in the first position and spaced apart from the coagulation bath in the second position. The collector may be a rotating collector. A process for making electrospun fibers comprises electrospinning a dispersion and collecting a plurality of electrospun fibers, followed by submerging the collected fibers in a coagulation bath.

Abstract: An artificial bone composite structure is provided. This structure includes a fibrous matrix that itself includes a plurality of fibers. Also, the structure includes a plurality of hydroxyapatite (HA) particles. These particles are dispersed within the fibrous matrix. Also, the HA particles have controlled size and aspect ratios and are aligned along long axes of the fibers. In some instances, the fibers include poly-(L-lactic acid) (PLLA).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the mass-production of nanofiber through electrospinning, particularly to a method for the mass-production of nanofiber having required properties by adjusting the spinning condition of a spinning area in which nozzle blocks and collectors are installed for electrospinning the spinning solution with uniformity. The method for producing nanofiber by electrospinning comprises the steps of determining a spinning area formed by a nozzle block in which a plurality of spinning nozzles are arranged and a collector on which nanofiber are collected; determining factors in adjusting physical properties of nanofiber in the spinning area; and adjusting the determined factors and electrospinning in the spinning area.

Abstract: A process for production of a nonwoven fabric, which comprises a step wherein a thermoplastic polymer is dissolved in a mixed solvent composed of a volatile good solvent and a volatile poor solvent, a step wherein the resulting solution is spun by an electrospinning method and a step wherein a nonwoven fabric accumulated on a collecting sheet is obtained, is employed to provide a nonwoven fabric having a surface area sufficiently large as a matrix for cell culturing in the field of regenerative medicine, with large gaps between filaments and a low apparent density suitable for cell culturing.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting microbial growth comprises administering an effective amount of a silver complex of a N-heterocyclic amine. A method for treating cancer cells or a method for imaging one or more tissues of a patient includes administering an effective amount of a complex of a N-heterocyclic amine and a radioactive metal. N-heterocyclic carbenes of the present invention may be represented by formula (I) wherein Z is a heterocyclic group, and R1 and R2 are, independently or in combination, hydrogen or a C1-C12 organic group selected from the group consisting of alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, aryl, arylalkyl, alkylaryl, heterocyclic, and alkoxy groups and substituted derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Processes for forming polymer fibers, comprising: (a) providing a colloidal dispersion of at least one essentially water-insoluble polymer in an aqueous medium; and (b) electrospinning the colloidal dispersion; polymer fibers prepared by such processes; and colloidal dispersions comprising: at least one essentially water-insoluble polymer in an aqueous medium; and at least 10% by weight of a water-soluble polymer having a solubility in water of at least 0.1% by weight.