Formulation development of carrageenan based nanofibers via electrospinning technique: article

Production of nanofiber carrageenan (CAR) based biopolymer using electrospinning was investigated. Two types of PVA polymers i.e, fully hydrolyzed (FH) and partially hydrolyzed (PH) PVA types were used as cross-link agent or co-polymer. Concentration of CAR was prepared with 1.0 w/v% in distilled water while the concentration of 10,11,12 & 13 w/v % of PVA in distilled water for 5 hours under 90°C and without heat for FH PVA and PH PVA respectively. The cross-link ratio of 70:30 (PVA: CAR) were mixed, prior to electrospinning. After cross-link, the spinning solution properties were at range of 35.93-91.90 cP in viscosity and 413-492 μS/cm for the CAR with PH PVA (10,11,12 & 13 w/v%). Meanwhile, for the CAR with FH PVA (10,11,12 & 13 w/v %) the viscosity and conductivity range were at 315.33-739.31 cP and 275-297 μS/cm respectively. The electrospun nanofibers were successfully fabricated and the effect of different PVA types on the nanofibers characteristics were investigated through SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) and Contact Angle analysis. Nanofibers with FH PVA and CAR blend produced uniform and smooth nanofiber at 12 w/v % FH PVA concentration with mean fiber diameter of 285.55 nm. In the contrary, nanofibers with PH PVA and CAR solution produced poor electrospun nanofiber quality with obvious beads formation and non-smooth appearance due to its lower molecular weight that yield unsuitable viscosity properties prior to electrospinning. Meanwhile, both PVA type promotes the hydrophilicity of the nanofiber because all contact angle yield value lower than 65° and less than 20 seconds equilibrium time with slight better absorption rate for PH PVA nanofiber blends due to lower hydrolysis degree properties. The results obtained from this work improve the applications of carrageenan in advancing the biomedical application especially in drug and nutrient delivery system.