Electrospinning-derived nanofibrous mats for dual-layer sports textile

Properties of textiles have great influences on the thermo-physiological and skin sensorial wear comfort of the human body. Sportswear is expected to have good moisture management property, which is key factor to achieve wear comfort. For some sports, they are also expected to have low friction with skin and antibacterial capability. To meet these demands, single-layer fabrics are utterly incompetent. Thus, model dual-layer textiles that consist of a thin hydrophobic electrospun inner layer and a thick hydrophilic electrospun outer layer are designed and fabricated to verify the possibility to simultaneously achieve dual functionalities, including good moisture transport property, with low friction with skin or good antibacterial property. The hydrophobic inner layer ensures low water absorption and transmission of sweat via capillary motion, while the hydrophilic outer layer draws the sweat out from the inner layer and facilitates evaporation to the surrounding environment. In the PhD work presented in this thesis, electrospun nanofibrous mats are used as the model textiles because they have large specific surface area due to a lot of interpenetrating pores between the nanofibers, which could facilitate both the capillary motion and effect of surface modification and incorporation of functional materials. Also, to let the moisture transport away fast, fairly thin hydrophobic inner layers could be achieved by electrospinning because it could control the thickness accurately. To improve the moisture transport property, the capillary motion in the textile is facilitated by decreasing the pore size or increasing the surface hydrophilicity. Dual-layer mats composed of a thick layer of hydrophilic polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers and a thin layer of hydrophobic polystyrene (PS) nanofibers with and without interpenetrating nanopores are fabricated respectively. Then the mats are coated with polydopamine (PDOPA) to different extents to tailor the water wettability of the PS layer. It is found that with a large quantity of nanochannels, the porous PS nanofibers exhibit a stronger capillary effect than the solid PS nanofibers. The capillary motion in the porous PS nanofibers can be further enhanced by slight surface modification with PDOPA while retaining the large hydrophilicity difference between the two layers, inducing a strong push-pull effect to transport water from the PS to the PAN layer. To lower the friction between the textile and skin, both of the hydration of the skin and the chemical component of textiles are modified. Core-shell nanofibers with a PAN-rich core and a poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)-rich shell are fabricated by single-spinneret electrospinning and used as the inner layer of the dual-layer mats. The dual-layer textile has good moisture transport property and the inner layer of the textile has lower friction with the skin, because the PAN in the inner layer could increase the wettability of the layer, thus improve the capillary effect, and the PVDF-rich shell could lower the friction between the textile and the skin. The synergistic combination of a considerably hydrophobic PAN/PVDF inner layer and a highly hydrophilic CA outer layer induces a strong push-pull effect, resulting in efficient moisture-wicking. To introduce antibacterial property to the dual-layer textile, zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs were covalently attached on the surface of the ethoxysilane-functionalized cross-linked PVDF inner layer. The results of related testes show that the incorporation of the ZnO NPs could render the textile antibacterial property as well as enhance the water wettability of the inner, thus the moisture transport property of the textile is also strongly improved. Also, the ZnO NPs show very good anti-wash property due to the covalent bonding with the inner layer. Thus the potential health risk caused by the detachment of the NPs could be avoided. In summary, the research results presented in this thesis provide effective strategies to enhance the capillary motion and moisture transport property of the textile, as well as achieve dual functionalities. The design concepts demonstrated in this PhD research can be used as model systems for development of novel multifunctional textiles in industries

Electrospun dual-layer mats with covalently bonded ZnO nanoparticles for moisture wicking and antibacterial textiles

The fast growing demand for advanced sportswear suitable for tropical countries has led to research on fabrics with both moisture wicking and anti-bacterial properties. In this work, to improve the water transport behaviour, dual-layer nanofibrous nonwoven mats composed of a hydrophilic polyacrylonitrile (PAN) outer layer and a hydrophobic poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) inner layer are fabricated by electrospinning. The distinct difference in surface hydrophobicity between the inner and outer layers induces a push-pull effect to transport water from the inner to the outer surface efficiently. To render an antibacterial property, zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles are covalently attached to the PVDF nanofibers. The good anti-wash properties and anti-bacterial function of the ZnO-PDVF/PAN dual layer mats are demonstrated

Materials design towards sport textiles with low-friction and moisture-wicking dual functions

In the field of sportswear, the structure and morphology of textiles are of great importance to achieve good moisture transport and low friction, which are two critical comfort-related properties. To improve these properties, dual-layer nanofibrous nonwoven mats were studied in this work. Core–shell nanofibers with a polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-rich core and a poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)-rich shell were fabricated by single-spinneret electrospinning and used as the inner layer of the dual-layer mats, while thick base-treated Cellulose Acetate (CA) nanofibrous mats were used as the outer layer. The core-located PAN and a small amount of PAN on the PAN/PVDF nanofiber surface ensure good moisture transport through the nanofibrous mats. The synergistic combination of a considerably hydrophobic PAN/PVDF inner layer and a highly hydrophilic CA outer layer induces a strong push–pull effect, resulting in efficient moisture transport from the inner to the outer layer. Furthermore, the fluorine-rich PVDF shell of the inner layer touches the human skin and provides a lubricating effect to enhance comfortability. This design provides a promising route for sports textiles with both good moisture-wicking and low friction

Tailoring surface hydrophilicity of porous electrospun nanofibers to enhance capillary and push-pull effects for moisture wicking

In this article, liquid moisture transport behaviors of dual-layer electrospun nanofibrous mats are reported for the first time. The dual-layer mats consist of a thick layer of hydrophilic polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers with a thin layer of hydrophobic polystyrene (PS) nanofibers with and without interpenetrating nanopores, respectively. The mats are coated with polydopamine (PDOPA) to different extents to tailor the water wettability of the PS layer. It is found that with a large quantity of nanochannels, the porous PS nanofibers exhibit a stronger capillary effect than the solid PS nanofibers. The capillary motion in the porous PS nanofibers can be further enhanced by slight surface modification with PDOPA while retaining the large hydrophobicity difference between the two layers, inducing a strong push–pull effect to transport water from the PS to the PAN layer

Tailoring Surface Hydrophilicity of Porous Electrospun Nanofibers to Enhance Capillary and Push–Pull Effects for Moisture Wicking

In this article, liquid moisture transport behaviors of dual-layer electrospun nanofibrous mats are reported for the first time. The dual-layer mats consist of a thick layer of hydrophilic polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers with a thin layer of hydrophobic polystyrene (PS) nanofibers with and without interpenetrating nanopores, respectively. The mats are coated with polydopamine (PDOPA) to different extents to tailor the water wettability of the PS layer. It is found that with a large quantity of nanochannels, the porous PS nanofibers exhibit a stronger capillary effect than the solid PS nanofibers. The capillary motion in the porous PS nanofibers can be further enhanced by slight surface modification with PDOPA while retaining the large hydrophobicity difference between the two layers, inducing a strong push–pull effect to transport water from the PS to the PAN layer

Thin MoS₂ Nanoflakes Encapsulated in Carbon Nanofibers as High-Performance Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

In this work, highly flexible MoS₂-based lithium-ion battery anodes composed of disordered thin MoS₂ nanoflakes encapsulated in amorphous carbon nanofibrous mats were fabricated for the first time through hydrothermal synthesis of graphene-like MoS₂, followed by electrospinning and carbonization. X-ray diffraction as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopic studies show that the as-synthesized MoS₂ nanoflakes have a thickness of about 5 nm with an expanded interlayer spacing, and their structure and morphology are well-retained after the electrospinning and carbonization. At relatively low MoS₂ contents, the nanoflakes are dispersed and well-embedded in the carbon nanofibers. Consequently, excellent electrochemical performance, including good cyclability and high rate capacity, was achieved with the hybrid nanofibrous mat at the MoS₂ content of 47%, which may be attributed to the fine thickness and multilayered structure of the MoS₂ sheets with an expanded interlayer spacing, the good charge conduction provided by the high-aspect-ratio carbon nanofibers, and the robustness of the nanofibrous mat

DataSheet_2_Quality variation and biosynthesis of anti-inflammatory compounds for Capparis spinosa based on the metabolome and transcriptome analysis.docx

IntroductionCapparis spinosa L. fruits as edible and medicinal plant, has anti-inflammatory activities. The different morphological characteristics of C. spinosa fruits from Ili, Turpan, and Karamay may affect their anti-inflammatory components and functions.MethodsThe anti-inflammatory activity of C. spinosa fruit was assessed using an LPS-induced inflammatory cell model. Furthermore, the differences in anti-inflammatory compounds were analyzed by metabolome and RNA-seq. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory mechanism was elucidated using network pharmacology.ResultsIn the study, we found that the 95% ethanol extracts (CSE) obtained from the three kinds of fruits showed remarkable anti-inflammatory effects both in vivo and in vitro. However, the CSE derived from Ili fruits significantly reduced CD86 levels on DCs. As a result of metabolomic analysis, the metabolic profiles of Ili fruits differed significantly from those of the other two habitats, which were consistent with transcriptome analysis. A total of 15 compounds exhibiting anti-inflammatory activity were subjected to screening, revealing a greater accumulation of flavonoids in the Turpan and Karamay districts. Notably, phenolic compounds were identified as the principal anti-inflammatory components in C. spinosa.ConclusionThere were significant differences in the morphology, metabolites, transcriptional levels, and anti-inflammatory activity of C. spinosa from the three districts.</p

DataSheet_1_Quality variation and biosynthesis of anti-inflammatory compounds for Capparis spinosa based on the metabolome and transcriptome analysis.xlsx

IntroductionCapparis spinosa L. fruits as edible and medicinal plant, has anti-inflammatory activities. The different morphological characteristics of C. spinosa fruits from Ili, Turpan, and Karamay may affect their anti-inflammatory components and functions.MethodsThe anti-inflammatory activity of C. spinosa fruit was assessed using an LPS-induced inflammatory cell model. Furthermore, the differences in anti-inflammatory compounds were analyzed by metabolome and RNA-seq. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory mechanism was elucidated using network pharmacology.ResultsIn the study, we found that the 95% ethanol extracts (CSE) obtained from the three kinds of fruits showed remarkable anti-inflammatory effects both in vivo and in vitro. However, the CSE derived from Ili fruits significantly reduced CD86 levels on DCs. As a result of metabolomic analysis, the metabolic profiles of Ili fruits differed significantly from those of the other two habitats, which were consistent with transcriptome analysis. A total of 15 compounds exhibiting anti-inflammatory activity were subjected to screening, revealing a greater accumulation of flavonoids in the Turpan and Karamay districts. Notably, phenolic compounds were identified as the principal anti-inflammatory components in C. spinosa.ConclusionThere were significant differences in the morphology, metabolites, transcriptional levels, and anti-inflammatory activity of C. spinosa from the three districts.</p

Electrospinning-Derived “Hairy Seaweed” and Its Photoelectrochemical Properties

Highly porous three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical nanostructures suspended in aqueous media were facilely prepared via electrospinning of polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/indium tin oxide (ITO) nanofibers and collection of the hybrid nanofibers by water, followed by hydrothermally growing ZnO nanorods from the nanofibers. The large interfiber distances facilitated the uniform growth of the ZnO nanorods throughout the whole system. The suspended PAN/ITO nanofibers process excellent light trapping capability due to their centimeter-sized dimensions and hence large light penetration path. This significantly increases the probability of multiple-reflections, leading to high absorption with almost zero transmission when the size of the sample reaches 10 mm in the direction parallel to incident light. High photocurrent was generated when the nanorods-on-nanofibers was used as a photoanode. The high photocurrent density generated by the anode can be attributed to its excellent light-trapping capability brought by the large amount of interaction sites between the ZnO nanorods and light, its large contact area with electrolyte, as well as the conduction path constructed by high-content ITO nanoparticles