Impacts of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) on the properties of electrospun polymeric nanofibers

Abstract

Three polymeric solutions, PVA, Collagen and Hyaluronic acid (HAc), were prepared and mixed by (55:22.5:22.5) ratios to prepare the net polymeric solution. Also, Ganoderma lucidum (G. lucidum) solution was prepared and added to the neat solution by three ratios (1wt%, 3wt% and 5wt%), which was then pumped by electrospinning technique to create a nanofiber bead. Solutions results showed that G. lucidum caused drag reduction, decreasing the viscosities, facilitating solution flow inside the needle and leading to the formation of fine nanofibers easily. Also, at low G. lucidum ratios, the electrostatic repulsion overcomes the surface tension, which enables fibers to escape from the "Taylor cone" tip and gather on the collector. As well as the electrical conductivity increased due to the ease of movement of HAc ions due to viscosity reduction. FTIR results proved no losses of any component of the net blend, and there is no chemical reaction among them. Results of the obtained nanofiber showed that, with the G. lucidum addition, there is an increment in fiber diameter, number of beads, the goodness of orientation and surface roughness. G. lucidum also reduced the wettability, the crystallinity and the enthalpy consumed during the thermal transition. Keywords: Ganoderma lucidum, FESEM, Directionality Histogram, Electrospinning, Wettability