Integration of the CDIO framework in nanotechnology education: Hands-on design, processing, and assessment of hybrid electrospun nanofibers

Nanotechnology is increasingly recognized as a transformative discipline across multiple sectors and a powerful tool in engineering education for fostering critical and creative thinking. However, effective nanotechnology instruction demands interdisciplinary collaboration and structured knowledge integration. This study presents a hands-on polymer engineering curriculum based on electrospinning, utilizing the Conceive-Design-Implement-Operate (CDIO) framework to connect material design, processing, and evaluation. Students developed biodegradable hybrid nanofibers composed of cellulose acetate butyrate (CAb) and hydroxyapatite (HA), investigating how HA content modulates the physicochemical properties of the polymer solutions and their electrospinnability. Results revealed that increasing HA concentrations affected solution viscosity, surface tension, and electrical conductivity—key factors in critical to stable fiber formation. Higher HA levels increased viscosity while reducing conductivity, introducing processing challenges that required systematic optimization. Despite these complexities, all students successfully produced hybrid nanofibers through iterative parameter adjustment and guided feedback. Performance assessments showed that 73% of students achieved a grade of B or higher in the overall evaluation, while survey responses reflected positive perceptions of the hands-on learning experience. This curriculum proposes a practical and scalable model for integrating theoretical knowledge with real-world applications in engineering education. The results provide preliminary evidence that the CDIO framework can support experiential learning and interdisciplinary competency development in engineering curricula, although further validation with larger cohorts and controlled studies is warranted.