Preparation and Characterization of β-Tricalcium Phosphate Nanofibers via Electrospinning

Abstract

β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) ceramic nanofibers via electrospinning route have been produced using β-TCP sol, which was prepared by the mixing of calcium nitrate tetrahydrate and triethyl phosphate as Ca sand P precursors, respectively. The as-prepared sol was tightly caped and aged in a drying oven at 90 °C for 16 hrs. The aged sol was evaporated in opened containers at 35 °C to reach a proper value of viscosity (100 cPs). Viscous solution was prepared by the mixing of β-TCP sol and high-molecular weight PVP to obtain appropriate viscosity for electrospinning. The mixed solution of β-TCP and PVP with various ratios were vigorously mixed using hot plate/stirrer for 24 hrs and then electrospun. The as-electrospun β-TCP nanofibers were dried in a drying oven at 60°C for 12 hrs and then heat-treated at 500, 600, 700 and 800 °C at 1°C/min heating rate in air. Surface morphology and phase identification of as-spun and heat-treated β-TCP nanofibers were studied. The results have shown that ratio between PVP and β-TCP sol and heat-treatment conditions significantly affected the crystalline phase and morphology of β-TCP nanofibers.

An Adaptable Device for Scalable Electrospinning of Low- and High-Viscosity Solutions

“…Electrospinning of a similar solution from a capillary needle has been previously described [41], but this is the first larger volume need-free demonstration of this solution. Reports of electrospinning other metaphosphates employed a carrier polymer, which is not used in our test [42,43]. It was spun on a saguaro electrode (−20 kV) in 36% relative humidity, 12 cm below the collector (+50 kV) with a total voltage drop of 70 kV.…”

A review on electrospun polymer nanostructures as advanced bioactive platforms

“…Other calcium nanosized phosphate‐based ceramics have also been incorporated into suitable electrospun biocomposite scaffolds for bone engineering applications. The main examples include nanoparticles of tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and fluoroapatite, which have been introduced in electrospun nanofibers of PLA , PCL , PLGA , PVP , and PHB . However, on account of their hydrophobic nature, these synthetic polymers still present a significant drawback from a dispersion point of view.…”