Electrospun composite fibers of polyvinylpyrrolidone with embedded poly(methyl methacrylate)–polyethyleneimine core–shell particles

Abstract

Composite fibers consisting of poly(methyl methacrylate)–polyethyleneimine (PMMA–PEI) core–shell particles embedded in polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) were successfully fabricated by the electrospinning method. The electrospun fibers were produced using 18 % w/v aqueous PVP solution blended with 2 % w/v PMMA–PEI particles at various pH (1, 2, 3, and 4) with a fiber collection distance set at 10 cm. The applied electrical voltages (10, 12, 14, and 16 kV) significantly affected the morphology and diameter of the prepared composite fibers (141–353 nm). The smallest composite fibers were obtained from the spinning mixture at pH 2 and a voltage of 14 kV. The composite fibers would potentially be applied as drug and bioactive compound carriers.