Engineering PLA Nanofibers via Melt Spinning: Synthesis, Processing, and Applications

Abstract

PLA is one of the most important polymers used in biomedical applications, with its degradation rate influenced by the ratio of monomers used in co-polymerization. Biodegradable and biocompatible polymers like PLA are commonly used in controlled drug delivery systems and implant devices for skin, bone, and dental repairs. Microwave irradiation is increasingly used as a heating method for polymerization because it speeds up the process compared to traditional heating methods. This approach allows efficient polymerization techniques such as polycondensation, free and controlled radical polymerization, and ring-opening polymerization (ROP).
(PLA) was analysed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Polymer interactions were studied by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to observe structural changes. PLA nanofibers were produced using electrospinning for biomedical purposes. PLA synthesis was carried out using heating polymerization, along with both electrospinning and melt spinning techniques. The input monomers and resulting products were thoroughly analysed. Key properties such as melting temperature, glass transition temperature, thermal stability, chemical composition, and monomer ratios in the synthesized copolymers were measured. These analyses confirmed there were no leftover monomers in the final products. Their excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability make them suitable for applications like long-term drug release and tissue engineering.

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