Preparation of multiwalled carbon nanotubes incorporated silk fibroin nanofibers by electrospinning

Abstract

Abstract Nanocomposite fibers, including silk fibroin ( Bombyx mori ) and multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT), were successfully prepared using electrospinning. Regenerated silk fibroins and MWCNTs were dissolved in formic acid, with the solution then electrospun into nanofibers. The morphology and microstructure of the electrospun nanofibers were characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The FESEM and TEM images showed the MWCNTs to be well incorporated along the nanofibers. The tensile properties of the nanofibers were also enhanced by the incorporation of a small amount of MWCNTs. The electrospinning of silk/MWCNT composites could potentially supply useful options for the fabrication of biomaterial scaffolds, such as wound dressings.