Centrifugally spun PHBV micro and nanofibres.

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Textile Technology

Background:

• Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) is a biocompatible polyester.
• Electrospinning is a common method for producing PHBV fibers, but its productivity is limited.
• Novel methods for PHBV fiber production are needed for scalable biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility of centrifugal spinning for producing polyhydroxybutyrate-valerate (PHBV) fibers.
• To characterize the morphology, mechanical properties, and production rate of PHBV fibers produced via centrifugal spinning.
• To evaluate the potential of these fibers for biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• PHBV solutions were prepared at various concentrations.
• Centrifugal spinning was performed using a range of spin speeds and spinneret-to-collector distances.
• Fiber morphology was analyzed using microscopy.
• Mechanical properties (strength and modulus) were measured.
• Fiber production rate was calculated.

Main Results:

• Optimal fiber quality was achieved with a 25% w/v PHBV concentration, 9000 rpm spin speed, and 39.2 cm collector distance.
• Fibers exhibited diameters predominantly in the 0.5-3μm range.
• Production rate reached 11 km/min/needle.
• Average fiber strength was 3 MPa and average modulus was 100 MPa.
• PHBV fibers showed higher strength but lower stiffness compared to electrospun PHBV.

Conclusions:

• Centrifugal spinning is a viable and highly productive method for fabricating PHBV fibers.
• The achieved mechanical properties and high production rate suggest significant potential for PHBV fibers in biomedical applications.
• The biocompatibility of PHBV further supports its use in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.