Characterization of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanofibers electrospun using a sustainable green chemistry with a low toxicity solvent system

Abstract

There is a need to find alternative solvents for electrospinning that are less hazardous and more environmentally safe than the Class II solvents currently used. We characterized poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanofibers (NFs) electrospun using a new, less toxic solvent system comprised the Class III solvents acetone:ethyl acetate (ACE:EtAc). Both solvent systems produced amorphous NFs. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed no change in PLGA composition after electrospinning. ACE:EtAc NFs showed a 53% burst release of paracetamol, followed by a gradual release not statistically different to release from DCM:DMF. ACE:EtAc can be used as a solvent to electrospin PLGA NFs however, with larger fiber diameter.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Class III solvent
• electrospinning
• nanofiber
• poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)
• solvent system

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Otago Micro and Nanoscale Imaging (University of Otago) for their help with SEM.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no competing interests.