Mats made from nanofibers linked to a red wine chemical could help prevent oxidation

Researchers at Texas A&M University have made mats that are strong, stable, and capable of delivering antioxidant activity for prolonged periods of time. Each mat is made of an intertwined network of ultra-fine strands of a polymer and an antioxidant found in red wine. In past studies, antioxidants were blended into synthetic mats, but the researchers said these mats have lower functionality because the surface area for antioxidant activity is limited. To increase the surface area for antioxidant activity, the researchers created an antioxidant mesh made with nanofibers of polymer and tannic acid.