Process optimization for fabrication of gellan based electrospun nanofibers

In this investigation, the nanofiber formation ability of gellan, a FDA approved low cost natural polysaccharide, has been achieved for the first time using electrospinning technique. The gellan based ultrafine nanofibers were fabricated by using a blend mixture of gellan with another biodegradable polymer polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The morphology of resulting gellan-PVA nanofibers was analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The mass ratio of 50:50 for gellan:PVA was recorded as an optimum solution ratio to obtain uniform bead free nanofibers with an average diameter of 40 +/- 15.8 nm. Data depicted that among different parameters evaluated, viscosity and the mass ratio of gellan:PVA were the key parameters that influence the nanofiber morphology and diameter. (c) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.