Diverse applications of fibers surface-functionalized with nano- and microparticles

The study of particles on surfaces is extremely important in many area of human endeavor (ranging from microelectronics to optics to biomedical). However, the topics of review articles on nano- and microparticles are limited to the synthesis, applications and particles on the flat surface, although interest in nano- and microparticles/soft-fibrous template composites has increased because they have merits of low particle aggregation at high concentrations, good physicochemical properties, and highly mechanical strength. Here, we briefly review the recent applications of nano- and microparticles/soft-fibrous template composites such as fibrous scaffolds for bone tissue engineering, smart fibrous magnets, photoluminescence composites, and sequestration of toxic materials in water and air. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.