Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a liquid entrapping device having the capacity to absorb liquids. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a liquid entrapping device comprising an absorbent component, hydrophilic elastomeric fibrous component in fluid communication therewith, and optionally an adhesive component. The present invention is also directed to a liquid entrapping device having the capacity to absorb liquids while maintaining a suitable degree of mechanical strength. Furthermore, the present invention is generally directed to methods for making and using the foregoing devices and materials.

Abstract: The invention provides high enzyme loading nanofibers and processes utilized in their fabrication, the nanofibers suitable for use as a new class of highly sensitive and stable biosensors capable of monitoring glucose at low levels. The biosensors, comprising nanofiber enzyme materials fabricated from organic solvent-based polymer-enzyme systems, can be used effectively in non-invasive transdermal biosensing applications.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a device for measuring characteristics of polymeric fluids (semi-dilute and concentrated polymer solutions and melts) in extremely strong elongational flows. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a device for measuring characteristics of polymeric fluids (semi-dilute and concentrated polymer solutions and melts) in extremely strong elongational flows in spinning jets and/or electrified jets. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for determining the elastic modulus and the relaxation time of a polymeric fluid. Also, the present invention enables one to determine and/or measure the primary parameters needed to describe a viscoelastic material.

Abstract: A nanofiber-reinforced composition suited to applying to a wound site in a human body includes a carrier liquid and nanofibers dispersed therein in the carrier liquid. The viscosity of the composition is such that it is able to be applied through a tube yet adhere proximate the wound site to provide a barrier layer which assists in healing of the wound by spacing it from neighboring organs.

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: The present invention generally relates to a device for measuring characteristics of polymeric fluids (semi-dilute and concentrated polymer solutions and melts) in extremely strong elongational flows. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a device for measuring characteristics of polymeric fluids (semi-dilute and concentrated polymer solutions and melts) in extremely strong elongational flows in spinning jets and/or electrified jets. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for determining the elastic modulus and the relaxation time of a polymeric fluid. Also, the present invention enables one to determine and/or measure the primary parameters needed to describe a viscoelastic material.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making coiled and buckled electrospun fiber including (a) providing a solution of a polymer in an organic solvent and a device for electrospinning fiber; b) subjecting the polymer solution to an electric field such that at least one fiber is electrospun; (c) subjecting the so formed fiber to electrical bending and mechanical buckling instability to hereby form a coiled and buckled fiber; (d) collecting the at least one fiber on a collector, such that a fiber structure is produced.

Abstract: A fibrous assembly is provided for performing site-specific chemistry. In general the present invention provides a fibrous assembly comprising a first fiber that sequesters a first reactive component; and a second fiber that sequesters a second reactive component, wherein at least the first or second fiber releases its reactive component when the fiber is in the presence of a releasing agent, and wherein when the at least first or second fiber releases its reactive component, the first and second reactive components react with each other to form a reaction product. Related methods of manufacture and use are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention includes embodiments that generally relate to methods and devices for control of electrospinning processes. Some embodiments include constant current electrospinning jets. Other embodiments include pressure control using a system of valves in fluid communication with the electrospinning fluid. Still other embodiments include control of one or more physical parameters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for removing water and/or water-based compounds from organic liquids/fluids. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus that utilize fibrous media that contains, is impregnated, or is formed from at least one super absorbent compound, where the fibrous media is formed from nanofibers.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a liquid entrapping device having the capacity to absorb liquids. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a liquid entrapping device comprising an absorbent component, hydrophilic elastomeric fibrous component in fluid communication therewith, and optionally an adhesive component. The present invention is also directed to a liquid entrapping device having the capacity to absorb liquids while maintaining a suitable degree of mechanical strength. Furthermore, the present invention is generally directed to methods for making and using the foregoing devices and materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel method for electrospinning fibers wherein the fiber-spinning solution is infused with gas bubbles which travel through the electrospinning fluid, causing the bubbles to be coated with electrospinning solution. The coated bubbles, in turn, in response to an applied electrical force, generate jets of the electrospinning fluid that travel away from the bubble surface. The invention further relates to the fibers formed by this bubble-jet process and to products made therefrom.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a non-woven fiber assembly comprising one or more fibers wherein each fiber contains: a hydrophilic component; and an elastomeric component, and wherein the non-woven fiber assembly further comprises an adhesive component. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to a non-woven fiber assembly comprising one or more fibers wherein each fiber contains: a hydrophilic component; an elastomeric component; and an adhesive component, wherein the hydrophilic component, the elastomeric component and the adhesive component are all contained within each fiber. Also disclosed is a method of making the afore-mentioned non-woven fiber assemblies. Additionally, a medical dressing made from the non-woven fiber assemblies of the present invention is disclosed.

Abstract: Nanofibers modified to alter their optical properties in the infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum, which nanofibers can be used in applications ranging from identification technology to energy conversion devices (e.g., thermophotovoltaics) to stealth technology. The desired optical properties can be obtained by modifying the fibers with rare earth and other materials and then can be incorporated into garments or other composite structures or can be applied as coatings on solid surfaces, to be used in a number of applications that benefit from selective emission properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanofibrous coatings on medical devices such a surgical mesh or stent, wherein the coating is mechanically attached to the device. The principal mechanism for attaching the coating is through causing the fibers to permeate and entangle with the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanofibrous coatings on medical devices such a surgical mesh or stent, wherein the coating is mechanically attached to the device. The principal mechanism for attaching the coating is through causing the fibers to permeate and entangle with the substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides high enzyme loading nanofibers and processes utilized in their fabrication, the nanofibers suitable for use as a new class of highly sensitive and stable biosensors capable of monitoring glucose at low levels. The biosensors, comprising nanofiber enzyme materials fabricated from organic solvent-based polymer-enzyme systems, can be used effectively in non-invasive transdermal biosensing applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing fibers made from one or more polymers or polymer composites, and to structures that can be produced from such fibers. In one embodiment, the fibers of the present invention are nanofibers. The present invention also relates to apparatus for producing fibers made from one or more polymers or polymer composites, and methods by which such fibers are made.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods to produce various desired patterns (e.g., coils) via an electrospinning process where such desired patterns possess certain desired properties (e.g., desired electrical properties). In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for producing coiled fiber patterns at a rate of one turn of the coil in a set time period (e.g., about one microsecond). In another embodiment, the present invention relates to methods to produce “resonator structures” that are the basic element of artificial dielectrics. In still another embodiment, the present invention relates to methods to produce coils with various specified diameters (e.g., about 10 microns) which can, among other things, enable the production of repeating patterns in a wallpaper-like array. In still yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to methods to hierarchical structures that offer mechanical support for various nanofibers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making coiled and buckled electrospun fiber including (a) providing a solution of a polymer in an organic solvent and a device for electrospinning fiber; b) subjecting the polymer solution to an electric field such that at least one fiber is electrospun; (c) subjecting the so formed fiber to electrical bending and mechanical buckling instability to hereby form a coiled and buckled fiber; (d) collecting the at least one fiber on a collector, such that a fiber structure is produced.