3D Electrospinning of Macroscopic PLLA Structures.

Journal: Macromolecular rapid communications
Published Date: May 12, 2025

Abstract

Electrospinning typically produces 2D fibrous nanofibers with poor heavy metal sorption capabilities and weak mechanical strength without post-processing treatment. Comparably, 3D structures have 99.992% porosity, larger pore sizes, and lower fiber density. In this study, macroscopic 3D poly L-lactic acid (PLLA) structures are fabricated successfully by 3D electrospinning. It is found that the electrospinning solvent system, polymer concentration, phosphoric acid (HPO) additive concentration, collector potential, working distance, flow rate, and applied nozzle voltage affected the fiber diameter and 3D structural dimensions. The effects of these variables are investigated, and optimum conditions are obtained. The optimal parameters for the 3D PLLA structure are 0.5 wt.% phosphoric acid additive to the 12 mg mL h PLLA solution, +1 V charged collector, +18 kV nozzle voltage, 4 cm working distance, 4 mL h flow rate, and Dichloromethane (DCM)/ N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) (6:1) solvent. The structure has a 774 nm average diameter and 2.36 cm height. Scanning electron microscopy showed fiber uniformity at the different sections of the macroscopic 3D PLLA structures. These results expand the possibilities of using PLLA as 3D electrospun biomimetic structures.

Authors

  • Yvonne Tusiimire
    College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, Makerere University, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
  • Michael Lubwama
    College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, Makerere University, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
  • Robert Tamale Ssekitoleko
    Department of Physiology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
  • Vasileios Koutsos
    School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB, UK.
  • Wiwat Nuansing
    School of Physics, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000, Thailand.
  • Norbert Radacsi
    School of Engineering, Institute for Materials and Processes, The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9 3FB, UK.

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