Introduction

Alginate is a naturally derived polysaccharide that has been widely studied for biomedical applications due to its excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability. Electrospinning, a simple and efficient technique for producing fibrous mats, is gaining increased attention. However, the electrospinnability of alginates is limited, requiring the optimization of polymer blends and solvents to obtain uniform and stable nanofibers. This study aimed to systematically investigate various alginate/PEO formulations and solvent systems in order to fabricate nanofibers suitable for biomedical use.

Methods

A broad range of polymer concentrations and solvent combinations was tested. Initial electrospinning trials using pure water-based systems failed to produce continuous fibers. The addition of polyethylene oxide (PEO) served to enhance the spinnability of alginate by acting as a carrier polymer. Eventually, a formulation consisting of 3% (w/v) SA and 3% PEO dissolved in an 80:20 (v/v) water/DMSO mixture with 15-20 μl of TritonX-100 as the surfactant resulted in successful fiber formation. Post-electrospinning crosslinking was performed to enhance the stability of the fiber in aqueous environments.

Results

Among over 40 tested compositions, only the optimized blend produced continuous, bead-free nanofibers. The addition of TritonX-100 proved critical in improving spinnability and reducing surface tension. Observation under the microscope indicated a favorable fiber morphology and nanoscale diameter. Crosslinked fibers maintained structural integrity in water, confirming successful stabilization. The final product showed promising features for further biological integration, including high porosity and hydrophilicity.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of systematic formulation screening in the development of electrospun alginate-based nanofibers. The optimized composition and processing conditions led to smooth and consistent fibers with potential applications in wound healing, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. Future research will focus on biological characterization, drug encapsulation studies, and in vitro performance assessment.