Research - Advanced Electrospinning

Nanoparticles find potential applications in sunscreens, cancer, drug delivery and decomposition of chemical and biological warfare agents, etc. However, there is a difficulty in usage of nanoparticles such as MgO, TiO2 for protective clothing and spillage on instrument and other surfaces effectively. Hence it is desirable to mount these nanoparticles on supportive material to use them such applications. One of the approaches is by mixing nanoparticles with polymer solution, and then subjecting the solution to electrospinning.4 However, by this method, the nanoparticles are covered by polymer and aggregation as well and thereby they are not available on the surface (Figure 1). To overcome this difficulty, deposition of various metal oxide nanoparticles on nanofiber surfaces was carried out by electrospinning of nanofibers and electrospraying of nanoparticles (Figure 2). The study carried out indicates the uniform distribution of nanoparticles on nanofiber surfaces can be achieved (Figure 3). This is important for the effective decontamination of chemical agents and biological toxins such as anthrax, flu virus, etc. when used as protective suits for paramilitary and medical personnel for the guaranteed safety.