Starch/PCL composite nanofibers by co-axial electrospinning technique for biomedical applications

Abstract

BackgroundIn this study, starch and polycaprolactone (PCL), composite nanofibers were fabricated by co-axial needle electrospinning technique. Processing parameters such as polymer concentration, flow rate and voltage had a marked influence on the composite fiber diameter. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mechanical and physical properties (such as density, viscosity and electrical conductivity) of the composite fibres were evaluated. Moreover, a cell culture test was performed in order to determine their cytotoxicity for wound dressing application.ResultsThe effect of starch ratio in the solution on the properties and morphological structure of the fibers produced was presented. With lower starch concentration values, the fibers have greater ultimate tensile strength characteristic (mostly 4 and 5 wt%). According to SEM results, it can be figured out that the nanofibers fabricated have good spinnability and morphology. The mean diameter of the fibers is about 150 nm. According to results of cell culture study, the finding can be determined that the increase of starch in the fiber also increases the cell viability.ConclusionsComposite nanofibers of starch/PCL have been prepared using a co-axial needle electrospinning technique. PCL was successfully encapsulated within starch. Fiber formation was observed for different ratio of starch. With several test, analysis and measurement performed, some important parameters such as quality and effectuality of each fiber obtained for wound dressing applications were discussed in detail.

Chitosan Imparts Better Biological Properties for Poly(ε-caprolactone) Electrospun Membranes than Dexamethasone

“…2 However, it is a challenge to yield suitable poly(ε-caprolactone)-based biomaterials for tissue engineering purposes because poly(ε-caprolactone) has high hydrophobicity and low water adsorption. 3 Therefore, poly(ε-caprolactone) should be blended to polysaccharides (chitosan, 2 cellulose acetate, 4 and starch 5 ) or associated to materials with biological properties such as dexamethasone (notable for its anti-inflammatory properties) 6,7 to produce electrospun membranes for applications in tissue engineering field. These materials can enhance the cytocompatibility, promoting better anchorage of cells onto poly(ε-caprolactone)-based membrane surfaces.…”

Sustained release of CIP from TiO2‐PVDF/starch nanocomposite mats with potential application in wound dressing

“…Actually, at high concentrations of starch, onset electrospinning the cone of starch cannot stretch due to the heaviness of starch solution and cause some beads. Starch prone to form larger fiber and bead as reported elsewhere …”

Green Electrospun Nanofibers and Their Application in Air Filtration

“…However, electrospun pure native starch materials always behaved with a relatively poor spinnability, weak mechanical properties, and low water stability. To solve the above problems and obtain enhanced properties, these starch materials are usually modified by physical, chemical, and enzymatic modifications or compound with other polymer materials such as polycaprolactone (PCL), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), PEO, polylactic acid (PLA), PLGA, to gain better properties.…”