Fabrication and characterization of hybrid nanofibers from poly(vinyl alcohol), milk protein and metal carbonates

Abstract

Porous three dimensional nanofibrous membranes were fabricated from poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), milk protein and inorganic salts such as calcium carbonate (CaCO3) or magnesium carbonate (MgCO3). Microscopic investigations showed that the fibers have smooth morphology with an average diameter of 300-500 nm and a surface area of 5.29 m2g-1. Thermal analysis of the composite nanofibers showed a decrease in glass transition temperature as compared to PVA nanofiber. Incorporation of CaCO3 and MgCO3 into the nanofiber matrix was confirmed by energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The cytocompatibility of electrospun composite nanofiber sheets was evaluated using human lung fibroblasts (IMR-90). There was an increase in cell attachment and cell density on milk protein incorporated to PVA-CaCO3 and PVA-MgCO3 fibers within a week of cell seeding. The cytocompatibility and increase in cell adhesion property of the hybrid nanofiber may provide significant advantages for such materials in biomedical applications. Copyright © 2012 American Scientific Publishers.