Micro- and Nanofibers by Electrospinning Technology

Micro- and nanostructures such as micro- and nanofibers and micro- and nanoparticles based on polymers (synthetic and natural) can be processed by electrospinning. Electrospun micro- and nanostructures are an exciting class of novel materials due to several unique characteristics, including their micro- and nanometer diameters, the extremely high surface area per unit mass, the very small pore size, and their tunable surface properties. To this may be added their cost-effectiveness. Significant progress has been made in this field in the past few years, and the resultant micro- and nanostructures may serve as a highly versatile platform for a broad range of applications in areas such as medicine, pharmacy, sensors, catalysis, filters, composites, ceramics, packaging, electronics, and photonics. Some latest developments in the processing and applications of micro- and nanostructured polymers by electrospinning are presented.