PVA/PEO/PVA-g-APEG nanofiber membranes with cytocompatibility and anti-cell adhesion for biomedical applications

Abstract

To prepare novel medical dressings with excellent comprehensive properties, this work uses the polyvinyl alcohol-allyl polyethylene glycol graft copolymer (PVA-g-APEG) synthesized in our previous work as a modifier. The polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/polyethylene oxide (PEO)/PVA-g-APEG nanofiber membranes with different PVA-g-APEG contents are successfully prepared by electrospinning technology. The biomimetic natural extracellular matrix structure of nanofiber membranes is achieved by regulating the PVA-g-APEG contents. As the content of PVA-g-APEG is 4 wt%, the diameter distribution of nanofibers is the narrowest. The average diameter of nanofibers reaches the minimum value of 267.18 nm, and the porosity of nanofiber membranes reaches the maximum value of 77.90%. Meanwhile, nanofiber membranes possess excellent biocompatibility. The absorption capacity of the nanofiber membranes for different liquids is improved with higher PVA-g-APEG content. The nanofiber membranes become soft and slippery after contact with liquid, effectively avoiding adhesion with cells. The cell proliferation rate is higher than 100%, and the cytotoxicity grade is 0. Additionally, the mechanisms of intermolecular interactions, crystallization and mechanical properties change of nanofiber membranes are discussed systematically. It provides a method and idea for preparing high-strength PVA/PEO nanofiber membranes and realizing the practical application of PVA/PEO composite systems in medical dressings.