Preparation of PHB membranes by electrospinning and characterization for tissue engineering applications

ABSTRACT This work aims the preparing of mats composed of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate) -(PHB) biodegradable polymeric fibers, using the electrospinning technique. Mats were obtained under different conditions: changing the flow and temperature of the solution, tension and the addition of a surfactant to the solution. The obtained material was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG), X ray diffractometry (XRD) and cell viability. The characterization by SEM showed that the best results, presenting fibers with constant diameters of 0.77 μm and without beads formation, were reached under the following conditions: concentration of 10% (m / v) solution in CF / DMF (9/1), solution flow of 5.8 ml/h, 17 kV and addition of surfactant (sodium dodecylsulfate, SDS). The results showed that the variation of the flow, tension and surfactant did not influence the average diameter of the fibers, but the increase of the temperature decreases this parameter. Moreover, the addition of a surfactant increases the density of the blankets and interconnect the pores, allowing cellular proliferation, and, thus. it is indicated for use as scaffolds.