Development and characterization of Sechium edule starch and polyvinyl alcohol nanofibers obtained by electrospinning

This research aimed to evaluate the synergic combination of hydrolyzed starch of Sechium edule (SH) in concentrations ranging from 0.5 % to 2.5 % w/v with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) at 8 % w/v as a possible material for the creation of nanofibers (Nfs) through electrospinning. The morphology of Nfs was evaluated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the topography was analyzed by atomic force microscopy (AFM), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) was used to check the chemical interactions between SH and PVA. The results showed that the diameter of PVA Nfs is within the range of 160–490 nm; this parameter increases when SH is incorporated, reaching maximum values of 759 nm. The rugosity of the surface of the fibers was affected by the SH concentration; it increases in SH concentrations of 0.5–1.5 % w/v, and decreases with 2.0 % and 2.5 % w/v. SH/PVA Nfs have contact angle values ranging from 50.16° to 74.92°, which classifies them as hydrophilic, a characteristic that is confirmed by the presence of hydroxyl groups. In conclusion, SH concentrations below 1.5 % w/v with PVA of 8 % w/v allow the obtention of Nfs through electrospinning that can be applied in the pharmaceutical and/or food industry due to the particular characteristics analyzed in this research.