Effect of crosslinking agent type on the properties of PVA-Sodium Alginate-Nanocellulose pad obtained by electrospinning

Document Type : Complete scientific research article

Authors

1 PhD student in Wood and Paper Engineering, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.

2 Associate Prof., Department of Paper Science and Engineering, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran

3 Associate Professor of Natural Resources Engineering - Wood and Paper Science and Technology, Biorefinery Department, Faculty of New Technologies and Aerospace Engineering, Shahid Beheshti University, Zirab Campus, Iran

4 Department of Paper Science and Engineering, Faculty of Wood and Paper Engineering, University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.

5 , Department of Paper Science and Engineering, Faculty of Wood and Paper Engineering, University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.

6 Department of Nanobiotechnology, Faculty of Biotechnology, Specialized University of New Technologies, Amol, Iran.

Abstract

Background and Objectives: In recent years, the use of electrospun pads with cross-linking agents has attracted significant attention due to their improved mechanical and biological properties. These pads have great potential for applications in tissue engineering and the repair of damaged tissues. In this study, the effects of different cross-linking agents, including calcium chloride, citric acid, glutaraldehyde, and zinc chloride, on the mechanical properties of electrospun polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), sodium alginate (NaAlg), and cellulose nanofibers (CNF) pads were investigated.
Materials and Methods: To prepare the electrospun pads, process variables were first optimized. Then, a combination of PVA, NaAlg, and CNF solution was prepared and added to it different amounts of cross-linking agents at different levels. The electrospinning of these solutions was carried out under optimal conditions and the Tensile Strength of the pads were measured. To evaluate the functional groups and morphology of the pads, Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyses were performed. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used through central composite design (CCD) to investigate the effect of experimental variables. Data analysis was also performed using Design Expert 12 software.
Results: The analysis of obtained results using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) showed that the addition of crosslinking agents significantly increased the tensile strength of the electrospun pads. The electrospun pads containing calcium chloride and glutaraldehyde exhibited an increase in tensile strength by 77 % and 40 %, respectively. Also, Citric acid and zinc chloride increased the tensile strength of the pads by up to 29 % compared to the control sample.
SEM images indicated that the crosslinking agent calcium chloride caused the fibers to come closer and increase the number of connections. ATR-FTIR results indicated changes and the creation of new functional groups, which were observed in the stretching vibration regions of O-H and C=O bonds. Furthermore, ATR-FTIR analysis showed that in the presence of calcium chloride, the interaction of calcium ions with hydroxyl and carboxyl groups in the polymers led to the formation of hydrogen bonds and new linkages.
Conclusion: The use of cross-linking agents of calcium chloride and Glutaraldehyde effectively improved the mechanical and structural properties of the PVA-NaAlg-NFC electrospun pads. Overall, the results of this study showed that the appropriate selection of cross-linking agent can lead to the preparation of electrospun pads with high strength to be used as a substrate for various research applications. Also, this research can be a guide for the development of advanced and innovative materials in the field of tissue engineering and other biological and medical applications.

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References

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Journal of Wood and Forest Science and Technology
Volume 31, Issue 3
October 2024
Pages 117-135

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