Chapters authored
Electrospun Polymeric Substrates for Tissue Engineering: Viewpoints on Fabrication, Application, and Challenges
Electrospinning is the technique for producing nonwoven fibrous structures, to mimic the fabrication and function of the native extracellular matrix (ECM) in tissue. Prepared fibrous with this method can act as potential polymeric substrates for proliferation and differentiation of stem cells (with the cellular growth pattern similar to damaged tissue cells) and facilitation of artificial tissue remodeling. Moreover, such substrates can improve biological functions, and lead to a decrease in organ transplantation. In this chapter, we focus on the fundamental parameters and principles of the electrospinning technique to generate natural ECM-like substrates, in terms of structural and functional complexity. In the following, the application of these substrates in regenerating various tissues and the role of polymers (synthetic/natural) in the formation of such substrates is evaluated. Finally, challenges of this technique (such as cellular infiltration and inadequate mechanical strength) and solutions to overcome these limitations are studied.
Part of the book: Electrospinning
Petroleum Wastewater Treatment
Petroleum hydrocarbons in refinery wastewater are considered the main cause of pollution. Wastewater from oil refineries contains large amounts of oil and fat in the form of suspended particles, light and heavy hydrocarbons, phenol, and other dissolved organic substances, which cause environmental pollution if they are discharged into the environment without treatment. Usually, conventional methods of treating petroleum wastes have a lot of costs; due to the existence of sufficient area for the construction of solar distillation ponds and suitable sunlight, as well as a large number of sunny days near the equator, the solar distillation method can be used. Membrane bioreactors based on biological decomposition and biological transformation of oils and waste oil materials have provided new solutions for the biological treatment of these wastewater. In addition to these methods, Fenton’s advanced oxidation methods, electrochemical coagulation method, and membrane filtration method are mentioned in this chapter.
Part of the book: Sewage Management