Fabrication of Polyvinyl Alcohol-Polyvinylpyrrolidone Blend Scaffolds via Electrospinning for Tissue Engineering Applications

Abstract

Aqueous solutions of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone(PVP) were electrospun using gravity method and their characteristics were studied as a function of applied potential and concentration. Blend solutions of PVA and PVP were electrospun and their properties were investigated. Acquired nanofibrous membranes were characterized using SEM, XRD, and FTIR confirming the bead free morphology and formation of uniform physical blend ensuring complete evaporation of solvent. Biocompatibility of the membranes was investigated by studying the adhesion of mouse NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, its enhanced adhesion and proliferation proved its mettle as a potential scaffold for tissue engineering applications.

Keywords:

• electrospinning
• nanofibers
• PVA
• PVP
• tissue engineering

Acknowledgement

The authors are grateful to Karunya University for providing excellent facilities to carry out the entire research work. Also they are thankful to CLRI, Bioproducts Division, Chennai, for helping with cell culture studies.

Notes

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