Characterization of electrospun polylactide nanofibers modified via atom transfer radical polymerization

Polylactic acid-based membranes received considerable attention due to its novel biocompatibility, renewability, and biodegradability. In this study, PLA electrospun nanofibrous membrane was prepared and 2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) was used as a monomer for surface grafting of polymer chains via the atom transfer radical polymerization method. Then the PLA nanofibers were quaternized by using bromoethane. The characterization of poly(DMAEMA) graft PLA nanofiber (poly(DMAEMA)-g-PLA) membranes was done by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The results showed that the diameter of PLA nanofibers increased 15% as the concentration increased from 10% to 12% and then increased 23% as the concentration of PLA solution increased from 10% to 15%. But the regularity of average diameters is best achieved at 12% concentration.