Development of non-woven nanofibers of egg albumen-poly (vinyl alcohol) blends: influence of solution properties on morphology of nanofibers

Egg albumen (EA), a highly functional globular protein with desirable properties, is the least-explored material for biomaterial applications, although it is available in abundance. In our studies, we explored the viability of EA and various blends with biocompatible and non-toxic poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) to produce nanofibers for biomedical applications. EA and PVA blends were prepared in various compositions. Electrospinning was used to fabricate non-woven nanofibers. Solution properties, such as viscosity and electrical conductivity, were evaluated for various prepared solutions. Solution viscosity increased with increasing polymer concentration. Solutions with higher contents of EA recorded increased conductivity, which decreased with increasing PVA content. The influence of solution properties on the morphological appearance of as-spun products was studied using scanning electron microscopy. Instead of nanofibers, nanoparticles and microparticles of EA were produced at even higher contents. In contrast, a gradual increase in the addition of PVA content to 8% EA solution resulted in the transformation of particles from large agglomerates to very fine fibers (≈100 nm in diameter) because of the influence of polymer content, viscosity and conductivity. The polymer–polymer interactions in the prepared materials have been validated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and gel electrophoresis. In our studies, we explored the viability of egg albumen (EA) and its blend poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) to produce nanofibers for biomedical applications. EA and PVA blends were prepared in various compositions. Electrospinning was used for fabrication of non-woven nanofibers. EA showed nanoparticles and microparticles instead of nanofibers at even higher contents. In contrast, a gradual increase in the addition of PVA content to 8% EA solution resulted in the transformation of nanoparticles from large agglomerates to very fine fibers (≈100 nm).