Abstract: Polymeric nanofibers have been developed which are useful in a variety of medical and other applications, such as filtration devices, medical prostheses, scaffolds for tissue engineering, wound dressings, controlled drug delivery systems, cosmetic skin masks, and protective clothing. These can be formed of any of a variety of different polymers, both non-biodegradable or biodegradable, and derived from synthetic or natural sources. The present invention discloses 1) the composition of fibrous articles and 2) methods for using these articles in medical applications. The biodegradable fibrous articles, which are preferably formed by electrospinning polymer solution of biodegradable fiberizable material with or in conjunction with medicinal agents and bioactive materials, comprise a composite (or asymmetric composite) of nanofibers with actives.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to textile fabrics, and more particularly, to a stretchable, nonwoven nanofiber fabric which is impermeable to water but allows vapor transport, capable of conforming to body parts, and is particularly useful in high performance apparels and personal care products. The fabric is combined with different substrates to form a laminate. The fabric and its laminate can retain their dimensional integrity on repeated stretching, have relatively high air permeability while maintaining liquid repellency, and have high stretching recovery. Methods of preparing and applying the nanofiber fabric and its laminate are also provided.