Ultrafine fibers electrospun from biodegradable polymers

Biodegradable poly(I-lactide) (PLLA) and poly(e-caprolactone) (PCL) were electrospun into ultrafine fibers. The technological parameters influencing the spinning process and morphology of the fibers obtained were examined. These parameters included solvent composition, addition of certain organic salts, molecular weight and concentration of the polymers, capillary diameter, air ventilation, and pressure imposed on the surface of the solution as well as electrostatic field. By properly choosing and adjusting these parameters, submicron PLLA and PCL fibers with a narrow diameter distribution were prepared. Scanning electronic microscopy was used to observe the morphology and diameter size of the fibers. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.