Silica fiber compositions and methods of use

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention include silica fiber compositions useful for treatment of animal wounds and tissue, as well as for other applications in industry. The fiber compositions may be formed via electrospinning of a sol gel produced with a silicon alkoxide reagent, such as tetraethyl ortho silicate, alcohol solvent, and an acid catalyst.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 - 30 . (canceled) 
     
     
         31 . A method for improving integrity of injured tissue in a subject, the method comprising applying a silica fiber composition to said tissue. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the composition is prepared by electrospinning a sol-gel. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the sol-gel is prepared with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 33 , wherein the sol-gel contains 70% to 90% TEOS by weight, 8% to 25% ethanol by weight, an acid catalyst, and the balance water. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 34 , wherein the sol-gel is allowed to transition for at least 2 days under conditions where humidity is within the range of about 40% to about 80%, and the temperature is within the range of 50° F. to 90° F. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the sol-gel is electrospun when the weight is at from 20% to 40% of the starting weight before ripening. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 32 , wherein the sol-gel is electrospun when the production of ethylene vapor is 10% to 20% relative to the peak production of ethylene vapors during ripening. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the fiber composition is processed into a powder or dust, and the powder or dust is applied to the tissue. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 38 , wherein the powder or dust is mixed or suspended in a topical composition, the topical composition being a lotion, ointment, paste, cream, foam, or gel. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein, during and after healing of the injured tissue, at least some of the silica fiber composition is not removed from the tissue. 
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 40 , further comprising reapplying the silica fiber composition to the injured tissue once the silica fiber composition is no longer visible on the injured tissue. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the injured tissue is not covered with any other wound dressing. 
     
     
         43 . A silica fiber mat composition, comprising silica fibers prepared by electrospinning a sol-gel prepared with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), an alcohol solvent, and acid catalyst; the sol-gel having been allowed to transition for at least 2 days under conditions where humidity is within the range of about 40% to about 80%, and the temperature is within the range of 50° F. to 90° F. 
     
     
         44 . The composition of  claim 43 , wherein the fibers have a diameter of from about 50 nm to about 5 µm. 
     
     
         45 . The composition of  claim 43 , wherein the fibers have a variable diameter of from about 200 nm to about 1000 nm. 
     
     
         46 . The composition of  claim 43 , wherein the composition consists essentially of SiO 2 . 
     
     
         47 . A fiber composition comprising a silica fiber powder or dust, and a topical carrier, wherein the topical carrier is a lotion, ointment, paste, cream, foam, or gel. 
     
     
         48 . The fiber composition of  claim 47 , wherein the topical carrier further comprises one or more pharmaceutical or antimicrobial agents. 
     
     
         49 . The fiber composition of  claim 48 , wherein the topical carrier comprises an antibiotic or antiseptic. 
     
     
         50 . The fiber composition of  claim 48 , wherein the topical carrier comprises an antiinflammatory agent or immunosuppressant.