Preparation and Characterization of Polymer Blends from <i>Nang noi srisaket 1</i> Silk Fibroin, Gelatin and Chitosan Nanofiber Mats Using Formic Acid Solution

Abstract

Silk fibroin, gelatin, and chitosan blended solution in formic acid with different composition ratios were electrospun. The fiber could be produced from SF:G : C blended solution at weight blending ratios (%wt: %wt: ml) of 10:20:0, 10:20:0.5, 10:20;1, 10:20:1.5, 10:20:2, and 20:10:1. When the chitosan content in blended solution increased, the average diameter decreased from 245 to 100 nm and fiber size distribution was narrow. The SF: G: C solution at ratio of 10:20:1 under high electric field and long spinning distance provided the continuous and uniform fibers. The formic acid as solvent did not affect to the electrospinnability and morphology of SF: G: C blended nanofiber. Tensile strength of SF: G: C (10:20:1) blended nanofiber was decreased with increasing of silk fibroin content, SF: G: C (20:10:1). The results indicated that SF: G: C electrospun nanofiber mats could be prepared and have a potential to be applied in membrane application.