Fabrication of nanofiltration membrane based on non-biofouling PVP/lecithin nanofibers reinforced with microcrystalline cellulose via needle and needle-less electrospinning techniques

Abstract

In this work, polyvinylpyrrolidone nanofibers were electrospun incorporated with lecithin, zero-charge natural segment, as non-biofouling nanofiltration membrane with tunable porous structures. Optimum conditions were studied to obtain nano-pore size capable of nano-scaled objects reduction using needle and needleless electrospinning apparatuses. Fiber diameters were in proportional relationship with PVP concentrations to range from 1.2 um to 34 nm at 10 to 5% wt/v PVP respectively. Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was added and PVP fibers were photo-crosslinked to enhance the mechanical strength. Mechanical properties of electrospun fibers were enforced up to 279% in the presence of microcrystalline cellulose while increased by 125% when exposed to photo-crosslinking for 8 h by UV-light radiation. UV-crosslinking has significantly improved the hydrophobicity of the final mat to report contact angle bigger than 90° at 16 h. Protein adhesion test was conducted to indicate the capability of the electrospun membrane to bypass the blood-plasma products. Zero protein adhesion was recorded by adding only 2% wt/v of lecithin.