Effect of HPC Incorporation on Structures and Properties of PVA Electrospun Fiber Membrane

ABSTRACT The selection of appropriate materials for adjusting the properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) electrospun fiber membrane is an essential objective. In this study, a novel PVA/hydroxypropyl cellulose (PVA/HPC) composite fiber membrane was fabricated through electrospinning technology. The water‐soluble HPC served as an additive to modify the structures and properties of the PVA electrospun fiber membrane. The electrospinning process was optimized with an 8% PVA solution containing different contents of HPC additive, achieving continuous fiber formation at 20 kV applied voltage with a 16 cm collector distance, which significantly improved the spinnability of PVA solutions. The addition of HPC can improve the mechanical properties of the PVA fiber membrane. The PVA/HPC fiber membrane displayed an ideal capacity for sustained drug release and exhibited significant antibacterial activity. The P8H1.5 (PVA/HPC was 8%/1.5%) fibers, which were uniform and defect‐free, demonstrated the best release effect and antibacterial activity. These results suggested that HPC is an ideal material for improving the properties of the PVA electrospun fiber membrane and that the PVA/HPC fiber membrane could be a potential antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory material for medical applications.