In situ citric acid crosslinking of alginate/polyvinyl alcohol electrospun nanofibers

Abstract This study reports in situ crosslinking of electrospun alginate/polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers using citric acid. Porous, interconnected network of nanofibers (mean diameter=250±30 nm) were electrospun from a homogeneous blend of sodium alginate-polyvinyl alcohol (1:1 weight ratio) containing 5 wt% citric acid. Electrospun nanofibers were then cured at 140 °C for 2 h and conditioned at room temperature before analysis. Crosslinked electrospun fibers were found thermally more stable and relatively insoluble in both water and simulated body fluid (SBF). Nanofibers remained intact after being immersed in deionized water or SBF for 2 days. On the other hand, the non-crosslinked electrospun nanofibers dissolved immediately. No significant change in the mechanical properties of the crosslinked alginate/PVA was observed after repetitive water immersion and drying cycles.