Enhancement of Water Vapor Transmission Rate of Core/Shell nanofibers using Biomacromolecules for Wound dressing Application

The aim of this study was investigation the influence of biomacromolecules on water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) of PCL based nanofibers for biomedical and wound dressing applications. Electrospinning was performed using PCL and PCL/biomacromolecules. PCL solution was prepared in chloroform/ dimethylformamid ratio of 2:1 (oil phase) and biomacromolecule solutions was prepared in distilled water (aqueous phase). The surfactant was added into the aqueous solution then oil phase was added to the aqueous phase at room temperature and stirred for 12 h to obtain a homogenous mixture. Electrospinning was carried out using 27 KV applied voltage, 1 ml/h feed rate, and 17 cm working distance. To measure WVTR of the samples, mats were fixed at the circular opening of a transmission bottle, which were stored in germinators under relative humidity of 40% at 25°C. The PCL and PCL/biomacromolecules had the WVTR of 1700±24 and 2558±53 (g.m2 ×24h) respectively. The WVTR of the PCL/biomacromolecule, which provides a humid microenvironment, can promote wound healing process. The results indicate that WVTR values increases because of high hydrophilicity potential of biomacromolecules to enhance the permeability of the water molecules.