Materials with potentially bioactive properties - preparation and characterization of electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol)/beeswax fiber web

Abstract

Currently is observed a great interest in the use of bioactive natural products for modification and functionalization of fibers to produce antimicrobial protective medical textiles. One of the areas is related to the ability to obtain electrospun nanofibers with potential bioactive properties. The aim of this study was to produce and characterize nanofibers from an aqueous solution of poly (vinyl alcohol (PVA) and beeswax (BW). To investigate the possibility of obtaining nanofibers with addition of beeswax is done in two forms - as solution and micro emulsion. Beeswax has a rich chemical composition, a mixture of proteins, vitamins, trace elements, esters, fatty acids, carbohydrates, lipids. Itself smoothies and moisturizes the skin, helps in the treatment recovery of burned skin, slows aging and has antibacterial activity. The fibers were produced in laboratory conditions with single nozzle spin-draw device. The nanofibers are based on 9% PVA solution and 2% (by weight) beeswax as additive. As a pad for the electrospun nanofibers has been used thermo bonded medical nonwoven textile. The structure of the nanofiber layers is investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atom force microscope (AFM). The fabrication of poly (vinyl alcohol) non-woven materials by electrospinning of polymer solutions, containing various concentrations of cationic, anionic amphoteric and nonionic surfactants is a complicated process. The type of additive which is used for the functionalization of the fibers changes an electroconductivity, surface tension, viscosity, therefore rheological method for controlling the process was used. The properties of the electrospun materials like air permeability, water vapor permeability, mass and thickness are examined as well. The average diameters of the produced bicomponent fibers were in the range 100-420 nm. Water-resistant nano fibrous materials were obtained by thermal crosslinking at 100 oC for 12 h. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed that PVA/BW nanofibers are present in a stable form. A further project employs to examine the received bilayer material to determine their biological activity and their potential use as plasters for regeneration of skin injuries.