Can it really take over 100 years for a patented technique a useful nanotechnology process? Can we make tomorrow's commercial products today? Will it be possible to wear a "smart" piece of fabric that will protect us as we work to clean up an environmentally hazardous environment?
The answer to all of these questions is "yes". The process we are referring to is called electrospinning (ES), which is considered to be one of the most promising processes in the nanotechnology field. This brief review attempts to identify the laboratories that are actively pursuing electrospinning development and the companies that are already reaping the benefit from this process.
If the estimate1 is correct then the global market for nanofibers could grow from $43.2 million in 2006 to $176 million in 2012. Electrospun nanofibers applications started with and have grown to include environmental solutions, energy storage to healthcare and biotechnology and then to products used for defense & security measures.