Electrospinning over Solvent Casting: Tuning of Mechanical Properties of Membranes

Abstract

We put forth our opinion regarding the enhanced plasticity and modulation of mechanical properties of polymeric films obtained through electrospinning process in this article. In majority of the pharmaceutical, biomedical, and packaging applications, it is desirable that polymer based matrices should be soft, flexible, and have a moderate toughness. In order to convert inflexible and brittle polymers, adjuvants in the form of plasticizers are added to improve the flexibility and smoothness of solvent casted polymer films. However, many of these plasticizers are under scrutiny for their toxic effects and environmental hazards. In addition, plasticizers also increase the cost of end products. This has motivated the scientific community to investigate alternate approaches. The changes imparted in membrane casted by electrospinning were tried to be proved by SEM, Mechanical property study, DSC and XRD studies. We have showed dramatic improvement in flexibility of poly(ε-caprolactone) based nanofiber matrix prepared by electrospinning method whereas solvent casting method without any plasticizer produced very brittle, inflexible film of PCL. Modulation capacity of mechanical properties is also recorded. We tried to support our opinion by citing several similar findings available in the open literature. The electrospinning method helps in plasticization and in tuning mechanical properties.

Electrospun nanofibers: A nanotechnological approach for drug delivery and dissolution optimization in poorly water-soluble drugs

“…When the electrospun nanofiber system carries multiple drugs, their affinity to the polymer as well as the interaction between them have to be considered. If any physicochemical interaction is present it may lead to problems regarding the diffusion of the drug, which will result in different release profiles [190][191][192]. Zhao et al designed an implantable tissue-engineered scaffold through electrospinning made of a self-coated interfacial layer developed between an inorganic and an organic matrix for timeprogrammed multi-drug release.…”

A mini review on the generation of crimped ultrathin fibers via electrospinning: Materials, strategies, and applications

“…It is worth mentioning that the surface morphology and properties of electrospun fibers can be affected by (I) the working parameters of the electrospinning process represented by ambient parameters (relative humidity and temperature), solution parameters (polymer concentration, molecular weight, viscosity, conductivity, and surface tension), and processing parameters (flow rate, applied voltage, distance between the tip of the needle and the collector [DTC], collector type, and diameter of the needle); (II) electrospinning types; (III) composites; and (IV) postprocessing treatments …”

Electrospun Orodispersible Films of Isoniazid for Pediatric Tuberculosis Treatment

“…The solvent casting has been the manufacturing method of choice for ODFs [15][16][17][18][19], yet several drawbacks have been associated with this method, including the necessity of using plasticizers, which may be subjected to scrutiny for their toxicity and environmental hazards, and for increasing the cost of the end product [20]. Electrospinning has provided a promising alternative to solvent casting, producing amorphous fibrous films with enhanced flexibility and plasticity, without using plasticizers, and significantly higher surface areas compared to cast films [21].…”