Electrospinning of biodegradable poly-3-hydroxybutyrate. Effect of the characteristics of the polymer solution

Abstract

The effect of viscosity and electric conductivity of the polymer solution of poly-3-hydrobutyrate (PHB) on the formation of ultrafine fibers was studied. It was found that these parameters largely determine the geometrical parameters and morphology of the ultrafine fibers of PHB obtained by electrostatic forming. The increase in the viscosity of solutions at increased concentration and/or molecular mass of the polymer leads to an increase in the thickness uniformity of fibers and affects the diameter and diameter distribution width of the ultrathin fibers. Modification of the solutions with an ionogen electrolyte and hydrolytic agent (formic acid) decreases the initial molecular mass of the polymer and leads to increased viscosity of the system. The obtained fibers have found use in biomedicine, in particular, in the design of the elements of the locomotor system.