Development of non-woven nanofibers of egg albumen-poly (vinyl alcohol) blends: influence of solution properties on morphology of nanofibers

TitleDevelopment of non-woven nanofibers of egg albumen-poly (vinyl alcohol) blends: influence of solution properties on morphology of nanofibers
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2011
AuthorsRathna, GVenkata Na, Jog, JPrakash, Gaikwad, AB
JournalPolymer Journal
Volume43
Issue7
Pagination654-661
Date PublishedJUL
ISSN0032-3896
KeywordsBiocompatibility, biodegradable, blends, nanotechnology, Proteins
Abstract

Egg albumen (EA), a highly functional globular protein with desirable properties, is the least-explored material for biomaterial applications, although it is available in abundance. In our studies, we explored the viability of EA and various blends with biocompatible and non-toxic poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) to produce nanofibers for biomedical applications. EA and PVA blends were prepared in various compositions. Electrospinning was used to fabricate non-woven nanofibers. Solution properties, such as viscosity and electrical conductivity, were evaluated for various prepared solutions. Solution viscosity increased with increasing polymer concentration. Solutions with higher contents of EA recorded increased conductivity, which decreased with increasing PVA content. The influence of solution properties on the morphological appearance of as-spun products was studied using scanning electron microscopy. Instead of nanofibers, nanoparticles and microparticles of EA were produced at even higher contents. In contrast, a gradual increase in the addition of PVA content to 8% EA solution resulted in the transformation of particles from large agglomerates to very fine fibers (approximate to 100nm in diameter) because of the influence of polymer content, viscosity and conductivity. The polymer-polymer interactions in the prepared materials have been validated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and gel electrophoresis. Polymer Journal (2011) 43, 654-661; doi:10.1038/pj.2011.34; published online 18 May 2011

DOI10.1038/pj.2011.34
Type of Journal (Indian or Foreign)Foreign
Impact Factor (IF)1.38
Divison category: 
Center for Material Characterization (CMC)
Polymer Science & Engineering