Location: Food and Feed Safety Research
Project Number: 6054-42000-027-017-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jul 15, 2026
End Date: Jul 14, 2029
Objective:
Development of new cotton-based nanofiber functional materials through innovative, high-performance technologies. The molecular and physicochemical properties of these advanced materials will support the establishment of clear connections between material structure and functional performance, enabling their use in protective nonwoven applications. Initial efforts will focus on antimicrobial materials and chronic-wound-care dressings, with additional applications broadly encompassing hygienic, flame-retardant, and UV-protective uses. Electrospinning technologies will play a central role in accelerating the discovery, optimization, and development of these cotton-based nanofiber materials.
Approach:
ARS scientists will work with cooperator to develop advanced electrospun cellulose based nanofiber platforms engineered for hemostatic and antimicrobial applications, transforming U.S. cotton materials into novel, high performance functional nanofibers. This approach employs scalable electrospinning technologies to convert sustainable cotton derived biopolymers into structurally controlled nanofibrous membranes with tailored chemical and biological functionalities. To accomplish this, the cooperator will utilize coaxial, emulsion, and hybrid electrospinning techniques to fabricate complex core–sheath nanofiber systems. These methods allow precise loading of functional molecules within the fiber matrix and will support sustained and controlled release of antimicrobial agents and wound healing therapeutics over extended periods. Due to their high surface area to volume ratio and porous architecture, the resulting nanofiber membranes are expected to promote rapid hemostatic response, improved fluid absorption, and strong mechanical stability while preserving breathability and barrier protection against environmental contaminants. Building on established expertise in multifunctional nanofiber development for biomedical applications, the cooperator will optimize material composition, fiber morphology and dimensions, and core–sheath configurations. Comprehensive characterization of physicochemical properties and release kinetics will be conducted to achieve durable antimicrobial activity and well regulated therapeutic delivery. Performance will be evaluated across key metrics including antimicrobial efficacy, hemostasis, and hemorrhage control. This work will support the development of high value cotton based products for both agricultural and biomedical use, expanding the economic potential of U.S. cotton resources.