Electrospun Poly(D,L)-Lactide Nonwoven Mats for Biomedical Application: Surface Area Shrinkage and Surface Entrapment

Nanofibrous poly(D,L)-lactide mats prepared by electrospinning are useful for numerous biomedical applications. However, it was observed that these mats tend to shrink under physiological conditions. In this research, a physical entrapment method to modify the polymer surface with poly(ethylene glycol) was developed to ensure dimensional stability and to increase the hydrophilicity of the surface of the mats. Nanofiber morphology was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Surface element analysis was performed by high resolution X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Water contact angles were determined to identify surface properties before and after surface entrapment. Canine fibroblasts were prepared and seeded onto the poly(D,L)-lactide mats, followed by cell morphology study by SEM and cell viability tests by MTT assay, which confirmed the improvement of biocompatibility by surface modification. Taking the results into account, hydrophilic and area-stable nanofibrous nonwoven mats were successfully produced, with potential applications as in vivo biomedical material. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 122: 1219-1225, 2011