Nozzle-less electrospinning of curcumin laoded alginate/PVA blended nanofibers for wound healing

Abstract

Nozzle free electrospinning has been found as an advantageous measure over other scaffold fabrication techniques for scaling up the process. Present study was tried to optimize the process parameters to fabricate nanofibrous scaffold using sodium alginate and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) for tissue engineering applications. PVA and sodium alginate were blended in the ratios of 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50 and 40:60 for fabrication of scaffold. Curcumin was loaded with the sample containing equal amounts of alginate and PVA. Surface tension, viscosity and conductivity analysis were done to evaluate the material properties. Process optimization was carried out by standardizing the voltage, tip-collector distance and speed of rotation for fiber formation. Nanofibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies, Differential scanning colorimetery (DSC), Thermogravitometric Analysis (TGA) and Film Burst analysis. Curcumin loaded samples were cross linked with glutaraldehyde and analyzed for their biodegradability, antimicrobial activity and in vitro drug release. A reduced level of surface tension and conductivity and increased level of viscosity were observed in the blends with increase ratios of PVA. Standard voltage, collector-tip distance and speed of rotation were optimized as 72V, 12cm and 9.2 rpm respectively. SEM analysis revealed the decrease in fibre diameter with higher volumes of sodium alginate. FTIR and XRD data suggested the interaction mechanism in PVA and sodium alginate due to hydrogen bonding. Intermolecular interactions of PVA with alginate through hydrogen bonding might have improved spinnability of the blended system. The optimized process may be used for the mass production of alginate nanofibers to be applicable in wound healing and tissue engineering.