Controlled synthesis and structural stability of alginate-based nanofibers

Electrospinning has emerged as a unique and versatile technique for the fabrication of nanofibrous structures with well-defined architecture to mimic the native extracellular matrix for tissue engineering applications. In this study, natural polymer alginate-based nanofibers were fabricated by electrospinning blend solutions of alginate and polyethylene oxide (PEO). To obtain better fibrous morphology and structural uniformity, the influence of alginate/PEO ratio and surfactants on the electrospun products were investigated. This study elucidated that polymer solution viscosity is a key factor that regulates the electrospinnability of the solution and the structure of the electrospun product. The sustained structural integrity of nanofibers in aqueous environments as well as simulated body fluid, which is essential for tissue engineering applications, was improved by crosslinking. This study also revealed that the polymer solution properties and thus the solution spinnability changed over storage time in the ambient environment, which can be a major source in causing the problem of reproducibility or resulting in differed structures when the solution is electrospun at different times. In light of the general biocompatibility of alginate, the technical approaches introduced and the underlying mechanisms revealed in this study may be of benefit to the production of alginate-based nanofibrous matrices for a wide range of tissue engineering applications. © IOP Publishing Ltd.