Electrospun Nanofibers: Current Advances and Future Perspective

Dear Colleagues,

The mechanism by which a viscoelastic fluid can be transformed into fibrous membranes under the influence of an electric field was first observed more than a century ago. Since then, many applications of this transformation have been considered, especially after the first electrospinning experiments were reported in the mid-1990s. To date, this technique has allowed the fabrication of fibrous membranes tailored from organic and inorganic precursors, such as polymers and ceramics. Current applications of the electro-spinning technique cover various industrial sectors, with a special emphasis on the areas of food, the environment and bioengineering.

This technique is highly appealing to contemporary researchers owing to its versatility. Indeed, the final performance of these materials is influenced by three main factors. The first main influence is that of the physicochemical properties of the precursor solution such as viscosity, viscoelasticity, conductivity, surface tension, as well as the dielectric constant of the medium. The second major influence came from the experimental variables, related to the configuration used during the electrospinning process, such as the hydrostatic pressure in the capillary tube, the difference in electrical potential at the tip of the capillary, the type of collector, and the distance between the tip and the manifold. Last but not least, the environmental conditions such as temperature, relative humidity, and air speed also play a crucial role. Moreover, these extrinsic factors modulate the structure of the resulting membrane, producing different orientations or morphologies, ranging from microparticles to fibers or mixed morphologies such as fibers functionalized with microparticles. Likewise, this technique not only makes it possible to control the dimensions or diameters of the microparticles, but also allows for the modulation of the morphology and texture of their surface, with structures ranging from those with smooth fibers to rough, porous and hollow structures. Thus, the microstructure of these compounds will modulate their physico-chemical and biological response.

In this Special Issue, we welcome contributions aiming to address the current advances in and future perspectives of electrospun nanofibers. These advances should be applied to various industrial sectors including, but not limited to, the food, environment and bioengineering sectors. Research, covering the combination of natural/synthetic polymers combined with particles, molecules, biomolecules and nanoparticles, as well as aiming to enhance material functionality, is welcome. 

Dr. Camilo Zamora-Ledezma
Dr. Vicente M. Gómez-López
Dr. Patricia Navarro Martínez
Dr. Ezequiel Zamora-Ledezma
Guest Editors

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• polymer composites
• mechanical properties
• nanomaterials
• biomaterials
• membranes
• fiber
• bioactive molecules
• active packaging
• water decontamination
• edible films
• coatings