Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising localized strategy for the treatment of cervical cancer, ranking as the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. The integration of photosensitizers (PSs) in localized drug delivery systems (DDSs), particularly in electrospun nanofibers, holds tremendous potential to overcome the drawbacks of their systemic administration. Exploring multilayer fibrous architectures provides a versatile therapeutic platform to design the next generation of localized DDS. In this work, localized implants for cancer treatment using PDT were developed using polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), chitosan (CS) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) as biopolymers and a porphyrin (Por) as PS, following two approaches: blended PHA/Por electrospun microfibers and multilayered membranes (PHA–Por/CS/PEO) produced by sequential electrospinning. The synthesized Por displayed higher cytotoxicity in light compared to dark against tumor cells. All the developed membranes were characterized regarding their morphology, wettability, absorption and fluorescence properties. PHA–Por membranes exhibited overall uniform fibrous morphologies with successful Por incorporation. Nonetheless, they presented a highly hydrophobic surface, compromising the Por release and cell–material interactions. In contrast, multilayer PHA–Por/CS/PEO membranes demonstrated enhanced hydrophilicity and enabled sustained Por release. Upon light irradiation, these membranes induced a significantly greater inhibition of HeLa cell proliferation (29.61%) compared to dark conditions (6.21%), confirming their photodynamic activity.

The combination of biodegradable fibers at nanoscale with plant-based extracts is attracting increasing attention to produce wound dressing systems. In this work, nanofibers based on chitosan (CS), poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and acacia plant-based extract were developed by electrospinning. Firstly, the polymeric formulations and electrospinning parameters were optimized, resulting in nanofibers with average diameters of 80 nm. CNC were successfully introduced into the optimized CS/PEO blend and the membranes were characterized by FESEM, ATR-FTIR, TGA, XRD, WVTR and WCA. The CNC incorporation improved the nanofibers' physical integrity, morphology, diameters, water vapor transmission rate and thermal properties. After acacia introduction into the best CS/PEO/CNC system, the antibacterial effect was relatively maintained while the antifungal activity was enhanced for some fungi, demonstrating its great effect against a wide range of microorganisms, which is crucial to prevent or treat infections. All the developed systems exhibited absence of cytotoxicity in non-tumor cells, suggesting their biocompatibility. Finally, a continuous release of the acacia extract was observed for 24 h, showing its prolonged action, which contributes to the healing process while reduces the frequency of dressing's replacement. Overall, the developed nanofibers are very promising to act as localized drug delivery systems for wound care applications.

Children’s skin is highly sensitive and prone to irritation, allergies, and infections, requiring special consideration in textile selection. Although clothing serves as a protective barrier, it can also pose a risk when dyed with toxic chemical colourants. This study explores the potential of multifunctional natural dyes as safer alternatives for children’s clothing, particularly for those with dermatological conditions. Cotton knitted fabrics were dyed through exhaustion with extracts of madder root (Rubia tinctorum L.), pomegranate peel (Ppe, Punica granatum L.), oxidised logwood (Logox, Haematoxylum campechianum L.), and tannin from quebracho (Schinopsis lorentzii Griseb.), both individually and in various combinations with or without potassium aluminium sulphate dodecahydrate (alum). The combination of madder and Ppe demonstrated the most promising multifunctional performance, being classified as a weak disinfectant against S. aureus (3.7 log reduction) and showing the highest antioxidant activity (92.6 ± 2.56% 2,2′ -azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical reduction), while maintaining excellent results after washing. Moreover, these natural formulations expanded the achievable colour palette from each dye while maintaining moderate wash fastness. The results highlight the relevance of these findings to textile and fashion designers, offering sustainable tools for creating health conscious, visually appealing garments. This research reinforces the potential of natural dyes and biomordants in developing functional textiles that support children’s wellbeing and environmental responsibility.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising localized strategy for the treatment of cervical cancer, ranking as the fourth most common cancer among women worldwide. The integration of photosensitizers (PSs) in localized drug delivery systems (DDSs), particularly in electrospun nanofibers, holds tremendous potential to overcome the drawbacks of their systemic administration. Exploring multilayer fibrous architectures provides a versatile therapeutic platform to design the next generation of localized DDS. In this work, localized implants for cancer treatment using PDT were developed using polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), chitosan (CS) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) as biopolymers and a porphyrin (Por) as PS, following two approaches: blended PHA/Por electrospun microfibers and multilayered membranes (PHA–Por/CS/PEO) produced by sequential electrospinning. The synthesized Por displayed higher cytotoxicity in light compared to dark against tumor cells. All the developed membranes were characterized regarding their morphology, wettability, absorption and fluorescence properties. PHA–Por membranes exhibited overall uniform fibrous morphologies with successful Por incorporation. Nonetheless, they presented a highly hydrophobic surface, compromising the Por release and cell–material interactions. In contrast, multilayer PHA–Por/CS/PEO membranes demonstrated enhanced hydrophilicity and enabled sustained Por release. Upon light irradiation, these membranes induced a significantly greater inhibition of HeLa cell proliferation (29.61%) compared to dark conditions (6.21%), confirming their photodynamic activity.

This study explores the proposal of a smart fencing garment that integrates inertial measurement units (IMUs) to accurately monitor athletes’ movements. A real-time capture of intricate three-dimensional movements was achieved using the Rokoko Smartsuit Pro™, which is equipped with 19 IMUs. Among the exercises conducted, particular emphasis was placed on analyzing correct and incorrect right arm adduction techniques, which provided essential insights for performance enhancement. The meticulous data collection in Rokoko Studio software, which was subsequently exported to CSV files, enabled a comprehensive analysis of the athlete’s shoulder, arm, forearm, and hand positions across various axes. This empirical data, coupled with first-hand observations from competitive events and training sessions, formed the basis for the innovative design of the garment, promising enhanced functionality compared to a conventional garment. Integration of IMU technology elevates the garment’s capabilities, enabling athletes to fine-tune their performance while providing coaches with valuable insights. Guided by the theory of “kinetic garment construction,” the modeling of this new fencing garment lays the groundwork for future prototypes. However, the complete fabrication of advanced prototypes requires interdisciplinary collaboration, considering the complexities involved in prototyping with IMU sensors and real-time signal processing software. Future research endeavors may explore alternative prototyping methodologies and strategies for integrating technology to further revolutionize the field. This study represents a significant stride in fencing garments design and performance monitoring, transcending the boundaries of traditional sports apparel. In summary, this research underscores the transformative potential of integrating cuttingedge technology into sports clothing, propelling advancements in fencing towards greater innovation and performance optimization

This work developed a new strategy to create active protection against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) threats, based on polyurethane-based coatings for outer (water and oil-repellency) and inner (CBRN protection) functionalization of fabric. The internal coatings were functionalized with varying concentrations of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) and/or graphene nanoplatelets (Gf) and carefully spread onto a military-grade camouflage fabric using a knife coating methodology. Hence, a new double-layered system was created consisting of one double-coated fabric combined with a lining knitted fabric. Thereafter, its structural, mechanical, and thermal properties were evaluated, along with breathability and moisture management capacity. Preliminary CB protection assessment of the coated fabrics included evaluation of chemical penetration resistance and repellence (against 30% (v/v) H2SO4 and 10% (w/v) NaOH; ISO 6530), antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (ISO 22196), and antiviral activity using the bacteriophage MS2 as a surrogate of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (ISO 18184). The performance of the functionalized fabrics was assessed against chemical and biological warfare agents following the NATO standard AEP-38, and against high-voltage emission of X-rays. Finally, the attenuation of the fabrics was also tested analysing their response to alpha radiation (e.g. Am-241) and beta radiation (e.g. C-14, Sr-90/Y-90, CI-36 and Cs-137) generated by reference planar sealed sources. In summary, the produced coated fabrics are combined with specific linings following a rationale that enables the development of active, yet comfortable, protective garments suitable for both military and civilian applications. For the first time, to the best of our knowledge, scalable, promising and cost-effective solutions offering BQR protection simultaneously are here proposed.

This work studied the behaviour of two conductive inks, applied by conventional screen print method, on four different textile substrates, 100% cotton, 50% cotton 50% polyester, 100% polyester and 100% polyamide. The inks were also applied on a multifibre fabric. Atmospheric plasma treatment was applied in order to improve the adhesion on the samples [1], and the resistance values were compared with non-treated samples on the different fibres. The values were measured before and after cleaning and washing tests performed to simulate home treatment for garments, in order to predict the behaviour of the inks after the normal usage of the fabrics. Comfort properties like stiffness of the fabrics were also evaluated after 5 and 10 washing cycles.

The SARS‐CoV‐2 virus outbreak revealed that these nano‐pathogens have the ability to rapidly change lives. Undoubtedly, SARS‐CoV‐2 as well as other viruses can cause important global impacts, affecting public health, as well as, socioeconomic development. But viruses are not only a public health concern, they are also a problem in agriculture. The current treatments are often ineffective, are prone to develop resistance, or cause considerable adverse side effects. The use of nanotechnology has played an important role to combat viral diseases. In this review three main aspects are in focus: first, the potential use of nanoparticles as carriers for drug delivery. Second, its use for treatments of some human viral diseases, and third, its application as antivirals in plants. With these three themes, the aim is to give to readers an overview of the progress in this promising area of biotechnology during the 2017–2020 period, and to provide a glance at how tangible is the effectiveness of nanotechnology against viruses. Future prospects are also discussed. It is hoped that this review can be a contribution to general knowledge for both specialized and non‐specialized readers, allowing a better knowledge of this interesting topic.

The combination of biodegradable fibers at nanoscale with plant-based extracts is attracting increasing attention to produce wound dressing systems. In this work, nanofibers based on chitosan (CS), poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and acacia plant-based extract were developed by electrospinning. Firstly, the polymeric formulations and electrospinning parameters were optimized, resulting in nanofibers with average diameters of 80 nm. CNC were successfully introduced into the optimized CS/PEO blend and the membranes were characterized by FESEM, ATR-FTIR, TGA, XRD, WVTR and WCA. The CNC incorporation improved the nanofibers' physical integrity, morphology, diameters, water vapor transmission rate and thermal properties. After acacia introduction into the best CS/PEO/CNC system, the antibacterial effect was relatively maintained while the antifungal activity was enhanced for some fungi, demonstrating its great effect against a wide range of microorganisms, which is crucial to prevent or treat infections. All the developed systems exhibited absence of cytotoxicity in non-tumor cells, suggesting their biocompatibility. Finally, a continuous release of the acacia extract was observed for 24 h, showing its prolonged action, which contributes to the healing process while reduces the frequency of dressing's replacement. Overall, the developed nanofibers are very promising to act as localized drug delivery systems for wound care applications.