Nanomedicine Research Journal

Nanomedicine Research Journal

Development, Characterization and Bioactivity of PVA/VPA/Aloin Nanofibrous Scaffolds for Biomedical Applications

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors
Mona Raei 1
Mohammad Shabani 2
Kazem Parivar 1
Mohammad Najafi 2
Mahdi Adabi 3
1 Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3 Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/nmrj.2024.04.003
Abstract
Objective(s): Nanofibrous scaffolds have been considered for biomedical applications due to their structural and functional versatility. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is frequently used in electrospinning, and its characteristics can be enhanced by adding substances. This study aimed to produce the fabrication of PVA-based nanofibers functionalized with vinyl phosphonic acid (VPA) and aloin as bioactive agents and evaluate their physicochemical, mechanical, and biological characteristics. 
Methods: Nanofibrous scaffolds were produced through electrospinning using optimized conditions of voltage and distance. The scaffolds were analyzed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), water contact angle measurements, tensile strength testing, and BET/BJH surface analysis. cell viability was assessed by using MTT assays. The influence of VPA (5%) and different aloin concentrations (3 mg and 6 mg) was systematically evaluated.
Results: SEM analysis confirmed that the optimized PVA/VPA (5%) nanofibers were smooth and bead-free, while the addition of aloin significantly altered fiber diameter. FTIR spectra validated the integration of VPA and aloin into the nanofibers. Measurements of the water contact angle indicated improved hydrophilicity. Mechanical testing revealed that VPA improved tensile strength, while aloin reduced it slightly at higher concentrations. BET/BJH analysis indicated that VPA increased porosity, whereas aloin's incorporation reduced porosity. MTT assays demonstrated enhanced cell viability with optimized aloin concentrations.
Conclusions: The PVA/VPA/Aloin nanofibrous scaffolds demonstrated adaptable properties ideal for biomedical uses, with VPA enhancing morphology, strength, and hydrophilicity, while aloin contributes bioactive effects dependent on its concentration. These scaffolds are promising for nanomedicine, tissue engineering and drug delivery.
Keywords
Nanofibrous scaffolds
Polyvinyl alcohol
Vinyl phosphonic acid
Aloin
MTT assay

Subjects

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Nanomedicine Research Journal
Volume 9, Issue 4
Autumn 2024
Pages 356-372