Production and characterization of layer-by-layer electrospun nanofiber based on polycaprolactone/calcium alginate

Nanofibrous dressings have received special attention in tissue engineering and wound healing due to their moist environment, structural similarity to the extracellular matrix, and the ability to load bioactive agents. In this study, a PCL/CA (polycaprolactone/calcium alginate) nanofibrous layer was produced using a layer-by-layer dual pump electrospinning machine. Due to the incompatibility of organic solvents (PCL) and aqueous solvents (SA (sodium alginate)), electrospinning was performed in a dual and alternating manner. Initially, the optimal concentration of PCL (12 wt%) was determined. PVA was used in a ratio of 50/50 PVA/SA to improve SA electrospinning. Finally, the PCL/CA hybrid layer was collected on a rotating collector at a voltage of 20 kV and subsequently crosslinked with CaCl2. SEM results showed that uniform nanofibers with a suitable diameter distribution were formed and FTIR analysis confirmed the physical interactions between the components. The produced layer had air and water vapor permeability of 0.21 ml/s and 467.3 gr/m2.day, respectively. Swelling test showed that the PCL/CA layers absorbed water about 500 wt% in an aqueous environment and swelled. The nanofibrous layers demonstrate desirable mechanical properties of 6.62 MPa with no significant toxicity.