Preparation of core/shell PVP/PLA ultrafine fibers by coaxial electrospinning

Abstract

Abstract This study investigated the process feasibility and stability of core/shell structured bicomponent ultrafine fibers of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) and poly( D , L ‐lactide) (PLA) by coaxial electrospinning. The morphological structure of the core/shell ultrafine fibers was studied by means of scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Results suggested that PVP/PLA core/shell ultrafine fibers with drawbacks could be produced from 6 or 8% PVP solutions (inner) in the mixture of N,N ‐dimethlformamide (DMF) and ethanol and a 22% PLA solution (outer) in DMF and acetone when the flow rates of inner and outer fluids were 0.05 and 0.1 mL/h, respectively. The tensile modulus and tensile strength of the core/shell PVP/PLA membrane were dramatically lower than those of the electrospun PLA membrane, and its water uptake was twice more than that of the PLA membrane. Membranes made from the biodegradable core/shell ultrafine fibers could be potentially used in loading bioactive molecules for tissue regeneration. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 39–45, 2006