Preparation of Alginate Nanofiber via Electrospinning and Crosslinking

In this study, alginate fiber prepared by electrospinning was crosslinked using CaCl2. In order to improve the spinnability, glycerol was added to the aqueous solution of sodium alginate. The solution containing glycerol exhibited the crossover point of G' and G" at low frequencies and decreased the solution viscosity. A solution containing 4 wt% alginate was suitable for electrospinning and maintained the fiber shape. At higher alginate concentrations, the electrospun fiber transformed into a membrane-like structure. The crosslinked web exhibited improved thermal stability and reduced crystallinity.