Applications of barrier nanostructured electrospun polymeric fibers and nonwovens

This chapter examines and discusses the innovative field of barrier nanostructured polymeric materials and their versatile applications in various fields, such as agriculture, food, biomedical, and pharmaceuticals. As the demand for sustainable and high-performance materials continues to grow, the integration of nanotechnology into material design has emerged as a promising solution to address existing challenges and enhancing functional properties. The chapter begins with an exploration of the fundamental principles underlying barrier nanostructured materials and their variants. It then veered into electrospinning as an advanced technique for the production of nanostructured materials and provides a systematic description of the synthesis types and operating principles employed under this technique, highlighting the key parameters influencing their properties. Next, focus was shifted to applications of these advanced materials in critical sectors such as in agriculture, where they prove instrumental in crop protection, controlled release of agrochemicals, and soil improvement. The discussion extends to the food industry, where these materials find applications in packaging, preservation, and quality maintenance, ensuring the integrity and safety of food products. The pharmaceutical and health sectors are also explored, emphasizing the role of these materials in drug-delivery systems, packaging, and biomedical applications. The chapter highlights emerging trends, challenges, and future research directions in this innovative field, including a call for collaborative efforts from researchers, governments, and stakeholders. In conclusion, this chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in barrier nanostructured polymeric materials, offering valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and professionals in the fields of materials science, agriculture, food, pharmacy, and health. The integration of these advanced materials holds great promise for addressing contemporary challenges and driving innovation in these diverse industrial sectors.