Abstract This study focuses on the fabrication, characterization and anticancer properties of biocompatible and biodegradable composite nanofibers consisting of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), oxymatrine (OM), and citric acid (CA) using a facile and high‐yield centrifugal spinning process known as Forcespinning. The effects of varying concentrations of OM and CA on fiber diameter and molecular cross‐linking are investigated. The morphological and thermo‐physical properties, as well as water absorption of the developed nanofiber‐based mats are characterized using microscopical analysis, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. In vitro anticancer studies are conducted with HCT116 colorectal cancer cells. Results show a high yield of long fibers embedded with beads. Fiber average diameters range between 462 and 528 nm depending on OM concentration. The thermal analysis results show that the fibers are stable at room temperature. The anticancer study reveals that PVA nanofiber membrane with high concentrations of OM can suppress the proliferation of HCT116 colorectal cancer cells. The study provides a comprehensive investigation of OM embedded into nanosized PVA fibers and the prospective application of these membranes as a drug delivery system.
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Piezoelectric Properties of PVDF-Zn2GeO4 Fine Fiber Mats
The current paper presents the development and characterization of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)-Zn2GeO4 (ZGO) fine fiber mats. ZGO nanorods (NRs) were synthesized using a hydrothermal method and incorporated in a PVDF solution to produce fine fiber mats. The fiber mats were prepared by varying the concentration of ZGO NRs (1.25–10 wt %) using the Forcespinning® method. The developed mats showed long, continuous, and homogeneous fibers, with average fiber diameters varying from 0.7 to 1 µm, depending on the ZGO concentration. X-ray diffraction spectra depicted a positive correlation among concentration of ZGO NRs and strengthening of the beta phase within the PVDF fibers. The composite system containing 1.25 wt % of ZGO displayed the highest piezoelectric response of 172 V. This fine fiber composite system has promising potential applications for energy harvesting and the powering of wearable and portable electronics.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2122178
- PAR ID:
- 10420472
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Energies
- Volume:
- 14
- Issue:
- 18
- ISSN:
- 1996-1073
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 5936
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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