Two-component fibrous materials based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB, T_m = 160 °C) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL, T_m = 60 °C) were successfully fabricated by dual-jet electrospinning of their separate spinning solutions. The desired alignment of the fibers that compose PHB/PCL mats was achieved by using three types of rotating collectors—drum (smooth), blade and grid. Additional fiber alignment in the direction of collector rotation was achieved by rotating at 2200 rpm. Moreover, the selected concentration of PCL spinning solution resulted in fibers with spindle-like defects along their length. Thus, “segment” sealing of the PHB (high-melting) fibers by the molten PCL (low-melting) fibers/defects sites was achieved after heating the PHB/PCL mats above the melting temperature (T_m) of PCL. The surface morphology, thermal behavior and mechanical properties of the PHB/PCL mats before and after thermal treatment were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and mechanical tests. The results indicated that regardless of the cutting direction of the specimens (0° or 90°), thermal treated PHB/PCL mats reveal enhanced mechanical properties. Therefore, this work provides an easily feasible route for the fabrication of electrospun PHB/PCL mats with tunable mechanical properties and improved performance.

Esca is a type of grapevine trunk disease that severely affects vine yield and longevity. Phaeomoniella chlamydospora (P. chlamydospora) is one of the main fungi associated with esca. The aim of the present study was to obtain eco-friendly materials with potential antifungal activity against P. chlamydospora based on biodegradable and biocompatible poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), nanosized TiO₂-anatase (nanoTiO₂), and chitosan oligomers (COS) by conjunction of electrospinning and electrospraying. One-pot electrospinning of a suspension of nanosized TiO₂ nanoparticles in PHB solution resulted in materials in which TiO₂ was incorporated within the fibers (design type “in”). Simultaneous electrospinning of PHB solution and electrospraying of the dispersion of nanosized TiO₂ in COS solution enabled the preparation of materials consisting of PHB fibers on which TiO₂ was deposited on the fibers’ surface (design type “on”). Several methods including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) and water contact angle were utilized to characterize the obtained materials. The incorporation of nanoTiO₂ in the PHB fibers, as well as nanoTiO₂ deposition onto the surface of the PHB fibers resulted in increased roughness and hydrophobicity of the obtained composite fibrous materials. Moreover, TiO₂-on-PHB fibrous material exhibited complete inhibition of fungal growth of P. chlamydospora. Therefore, the obtained eco-friendly fibrous materials based on PHB and nanoTiO₂ are promising candidates for protection against esca in agriculture.

Electrospinning was successfully used for the one-step fabrication of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) fibers loaded with an inorganic photocatalyst—titanium oxide (TiO₂). By tuning the PMMA/TiO₂ ratio and the electrospinning conditions (applied voltage, needle tip-to-collector distance, and flow rates), PMMA/TiO₂ composites with selected organic/inorganic ratios, tailored designs, and targeted properties were obtained. The morphology of the electrospun composites was affected by the amount of TiO₂ incorporated into the PMMA fibers. In addition, the inorganic photocatalyst had an impact on the wettability, thermal stability, and optical properties of the electrospun composites. In particular, the surface wettability of the composites was strongly influenced by UV light irradiation and from hydrophobic became superhydrophilic. Moreover, PMMA/TiO₂ composites had enhanced tensile strength in comparison with those of bare PMMA mats. The electrospun PMMA/TiO₂ composites showed excellent photocatalytic efficiency against the model organic pollutant—methylene blue—which is very promising for the future development of membranes that are highly efficacious for photocatalytic water treatment.

Chitosan gel beads represent a promising biopolymer-based delivery system for encapsulating Bacillus subtilis, an effective biocontrol agent in sustainable agriculture. This study investigates the influence of chitosan molecular weight on bead structure, water retention, and swelling behavior, as well as its impact on the viability and antifungal activity of encapsulated B. subtilis. The results demonstrate that chitosan provides a protective microenvironment, enhancing microbial viability, promoting colonization, and ensuring controlled release for prolonged plant protection. Moreover, encapsulation within chitosan gel beads preserved bacterial viability during long-term storage for up to 90 and 180 days. Additionally, the biodegradable and antimicrobial properties of chitosan contribute to pathogen suppression while supporting the plant growth-promoting activities of B. subtilis. The encapsulated bioagent exhibited strong antifungal activity against Fusarium avenaceum and Rhizoctonia solani, highlighting the effectiveness of this eco-friendly approach as an alternative to chemical pesticides. These findings underscore the potential of chitosan-based formulations to enhance the efficacy of bioinoculants, offering a sustainable solution for modern crop management.

The difficult-to-heal wounds continue to be a problem for modern medicine. Chitosan and diosgenin possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects making them relevant substances for wound treatment. That is why this work aimed to study the effect of the combined application of chitosan and diosgenin on a mouse skin wound model. For the purpose, wounds (6 mm diameter) were made on mice’s backs and were treated for 9 days with one of the following: 50% ethanol (control), polyethylene glycol (PEG) in 50% ethanol, chitosan and PEG in 50% ethanol (Chs), diosgenin and PEG in 50% ethanol (Dg) and chitosan, diosgenin and PEG in 50% ethanol (ChsDg). Before the first treatment and on the 3rd, 6th and 9th days, the wounds were photographed and their area was determined. On the 9th day, animals were euthanized and wounds’ tissues were excised for histological analysis. In addition, the lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein oxidation (POx) and total glutathione (tGSH) levels were measured. The results showed that ChsDg had the most pronounced overall effect on wound area reduction, followed by Chs and PEG. Moreover, the application of ChsDg maintained high levels of tGSH in wound tissues, compared to other substances. It was shown that all tested substances, except ethanol, reduced POx comparable to intact skin levels. Therefore, the combined application of chitosan and diosgenin is a very promising and effective medication for wound healing.