Advanced Fiber Materials最新文献

Ultrahigh dynamic strength fibrous materials are very vital for applications in high-strain rate environments. A recent research article on Science highlights a significant advancement in polymer-carbon nanotube composite fibers, which developed a new strategy to fabricate fibrous materials with an unprecedented dynamic strength of 14 GPa by optimizing hierarchical structures. This work provides fresh mechanism insights and an effective strategy to harness the intrinsic strength of individual carbon nanotubes at the macroscale, and marks a dramatic breakthrough in the realm of ultrahigh-strength fibers.

Peripheral nerve defects present complex orthopedic challenges with limited efficacy of clinical interventions. The inadequate proliferation and dysfunction of Schwann cells within the nerve scaffold impede the effectiveness of nerve repair. Our previous studies suggested the effectiveness of a magnesium-encapsulated bioactive hydrogel in repairing nerve defects. However, its rapid release of magnesium ions limited its efficacy to long-term nerve regeneration, and its molecular mechanism remains unclear. This study utilized electrospinning technology to fabricate a MgO/MgCO₃/polycaprolactone (PCL) multi-gradient nanofiber membrane for peripheral nerve regeneration. Our findings indicated that by carefully adjusting the concentration or proportion of rapidly degradable MgO and slowly degradable MgCO₃, as well as the number of electrospun layers, the multi-gradient scaffold effectively sustained the release of Mg²⁺ over a period of 6 weeks. Additionally, this study provided insight into the mechanism of Mg²⁺-induced nerve regeneration and confirmed that Mg²⁺ effectively promoted Schwann cell proliferation, migration, and transition to a repair phenotype. By employing transcriptome sequencing technology, the study identified the Wingless/integrase-1 (Wnt) signaling pathway as a crucial mechanism influencing Schwann cell function during nerve regeneration. After implantation in 10 mm critically sized nerve defects in rats, the MgO/MgCO₃/PCL multi-gradient nanofiber combined with a 3D-engineered PCL nerve conduit showed enhanced axonal regeneration, remyelination, and reinnervation of muscle tissue 12 weeks post-surgery. In conclusion, this study successfully developed an innovative multi-gradient long-acting MgO/MgCO₃/PCL nanofiber with a tunable Mg²⁺ release property, which underscored the molecular mechanism of magnesium-encapsulated biomaterials in treating nervous system diseases and established a robust theoretical foundation for future clinical translation.

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The development of an artificial ligament for promoting ligament–bone healing in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction still faces enormous challenges. Herein, a polyphenol–metal network (PMN) composed of propyl gallate (PG)-gallium (Ga) and -hafnium oxide (HfO₂) is deposited on polyimide fiber (PIF) woven fabric (PGPH) for artificial ligament application. Compared with PIF, the surface properties (e.g., hydrophilicity) of PMN of PGPH significantly improve. The in vitro cell experiments confirm that PGPH remarkably facilitates proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation due to the synergistic effects of enhanced surface properties and the sustained release of Hf ions. Moreover, PGPH inhibits M1 macrophage polarization, thereby reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines while improving anti-inflammatory cytokines secretion by favoring M2 macrophage polarization, displaying anti-inflammatory effects due to the slow release of PG. Compared with PIF, PGPH exhibits adequate antibacterial activity in vitro and effectively prevents bacterial infection in vivo because of the sustained release of Ga ions, which damages the bacterial membrane and leads to the leakage of cell components (such as proteins). The in vivo experiments reveal that PGPH obviously inhibits fibrous encapsulation formation while promoting bone regeneration for ligament–bone healing. In short, PGPH creates a favorable microenvironment for enhancing M2 macrophage polarization and osteoblastic differentiation, which facilitates ligament–bone healing, thereby exhibiting enormous promise for ACL restoration.

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With the advancement of flexible bioelectronics, developing highly elastic and breathable piezoelectric materials and devices that achieve conformal deformation, synchronous electromechanical coupling with the human body and high-fidelity collection of biological information remains a significant challenge. Here, a nanoconfinement self-assembly strategy is developed to prepare elastic phenylalanine dipeptide (FF) crystal fibers, in which FF crystals form a unique Mortise-Tenon structure with oriented styrene-block-butadiene-block-styrene molecular beams and thereby obtain elasticity (≈1200%), flexibility (Young’s modulus: 0.409 ± 0.031 MPa), piezoelectricity (macroscopic d₃₃: 10.025 ± 0.33 pC N⁻¹), breathability, and physical stability. Furthermore, elastic FF crystal fibers are used to develop a flexible human physiological movement sensing system by integrating Ga–In alloy coating and wireless electronic transmission components. The system can undergo conformal deformation with human skin and achieve high-fidelity capture of biological information originating from human body motions to prevent diseases (such as Parkinson’s disease). In addition, this system also displays superior sensitivity and accuracy in detecting subtle pressure changes in vivo during heartbeats, respiration, and diaphragm movement. Therefore, elastic FF crystal fibers hold great potential for developing new flexible electromechanical sensors that are capable of conformal deformation with the human body, enabling precision medical diagnosis and efficient energy harvesting.

Graphical Abstract

A schematic illustration depicting the utilization of styrene-block-butadiene-block-styrene (SBS) fibers as a self-assembly nanoconfinement carrier for phenylalanine dipeptide (FF) has been provided, showcasing the formation mechanism of elastic FF crystal fibers featuring a distinctive Mortise-Tenon structure.

Radiative cooling textiles offer significant potential for enhancing personal thermal comfort amid rising global temperatures. Recently, a spectrally selective hierarchical fabric was reported to emit predominantly within the atmospheric transmission window while suppressing parasitic heat from the surrounding infrastructure, thus combating the urban heat islands. This development represents a significant advance in personal thermal management, demonstrating the potential of radiative cooling fabrics to adapt to various environmental conditions.

The high impedance caused by the lack of interfacial hydrogel in dry electrodes seriously affects the quality of acquired electrophysiological signals. Although there are existing strategies to reduce impedance with micro–nanostructures, achieving stretchable and breathable electrodes while ensuring low impedance is extremely challenging. Herein, we successfully prepared a dry textile electrode (nanomesh film (NF)-ZnO–polypyrrole (PPy)) with low impedance, high stretchability, and breathability. Wrinkle-nanorod coupled microstructures are constructed to increase the effective surface area and roughness of NF-ZnO–PPy electrode, achieving an exponential reduction in impedance compared with the smooth textile dry electrode (15.64 kΩ·cm⁻² at 10 Hz, approximately 1/6 of the lowest impedance of reported electrodes). Simultaneously, the wrinkled structure formed by pre-stretching improves electrode’s stretchability (up to 910% strain) and cycle stability (R/R₀ is within 1.08 after 1000 cycles at 30% strain). Furthermore, the NF-ZnO–PPy electrode has excellent breathability (2233.52 g·m⁻²·d⁻¹) and good biocompatibility. Finally, as a proof of concept, the 16-channel NF-ZnO–PPy electrode can record electromyography signals in different states and parts of body for a long time ((22.03 ± 0.76) dB, which is twice that of the commercial electrode). Notably, we employ ZnO nanorods as a template to reduce impedance. This template strategy overcomes complex and expensive micro–nanomanufacturing technologies (photolithography, laser processing, etc.) and can be suitable for most flexible substrates, showing great potential in the field of soft electronics.

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The acute pain induced by clinical procedures, such as venipuncture, dental operations, and dermatological treatments, as well as postoperative pain, drives the advancement of anesthetic techniques aimed at alleviating discomfort. This situation underscores the ongoing significance of effective pain management strategies within the field of anesthesia. This paper presents an integrated iontophoresis (ITP)-driven fiber-based microneedle patch (IFMP) regulated by a smartphone for controllable, long-lasting lidocaine transdermal delivery. The IFMP integrates pure cotton fiber canvas-based dissolving microneedles (MNs) with ITP into a patch, with the MNs tips and gel layers significantly increasing the drug-loading capacity, achieving a one-step drug administration strategy of “dissolution, diffusion, and ITP.” Lidocaine is released via the microchannels of MNs by passive diffusion. Additionally, an electric current initiates active ITP for lidocaine delivery, creating synergy. User-requirement-based drug release by precisely modulating electrical signals in rat pain models is described herein. A smartphone application enables precise dosage control. It offers three different delivery modes: single-dose, pulse delivery, and sustained-release, ensuring rapid onset, and long-lasting pain relief. This versatility makes the system suitable for various pain conditions. The IFMP represents a promising system for patient-controlled local analgesia treatment, enabling active and long-term local self-controlled pain management in a safe and regulated manner.

Graphical Abstract

The iontophoresis-driven fiber-based microneedle patch combines fiber-based dissolving microneedles with iontophoresis, facilitating controlled lidocaine release through diffusion and electrical activation for enhanced effect. Precise modulation of electrical signals allows user-requirement-based drug release in rat pain models. A smart application supports precise dosing in single-dose, pulse, or sustained-release modes, ensuring efficient and prolonged pain management.

The rapid growth of wearable technology has significantly enhanced the capabilities of wearable sensors, transitioning from simple attachments of rigid electronics to the more comfortable and adaptable integration with soft substrates. Among these, flexible piezoresistive pressure sensors are particularly notable for their straightforward and reliable signal readout. Fiber, yarn, and textile-based sensors, which allow for multiscale material and structural engineering, present ideal solutions for achieving sensors with excellent wearability, sensitivity, and scalability potential. Innovations in materials and the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) have further enhanced sensor performance, adding multifunctional capabilities and broadening their applications. This review systematically examines fiber, yarn, and textile-based piezoresistive pressure sensors, covering fundamental mechanisms, key performance metrics, conductive and substrate materials, structural designs, fabrication techniques, multifunctional integrations, and advanced applications in healthcare, fitness, and human–machine interaction, augmented by machine learning (ML). Finally, the review discusses sensor design and technical considerations, material–structure–property engineering, scalable production, performance evaluation, and offers recommendations and prospects for future sensor research and development. This comprehensive overview aims to provide a deeper understanding of current innovations and challenges, facilitating the advancement of flexible and intelligent wearable sensing technologies.