A proof of concept to define the parameters affecting poly‑l‑lactide‑co‑ poly‑ε‑caprolactone shape memory electrospun nanofibers for biomedical applications

A proof of concept to define the parameters affecting poly‑l‑lactide‑co‑ poly‑ε‑caprolactone shape memory electrospun nanofibers for biomedical applications

This study is a proof of concept performed to evaluate process parameters afecting shape memory efect of copolymer polyl-lactide-co-poly-ε-caprolactone (PLA:PCL) 70:30 ratio based nanofbrous scafolds. A design of experiment (DOE) statistical approach was used to defne the interaction between independent material and process variables related to electrospun 
scafold manufacturing, such as polymer solution concentration (w/v%), spinning time (min), and needle size (Gauge), and 
their infuence on Rf% (ability of the scafold to maintain the induced temporary shape) and Rr% (ability of the scafold to 
recover its original shape) outputs. A mathematical model was obtained from DOE useful to predict scafold Rf% and Rr% 
values. PLA-PCL 15% w/v, 22G needle, and 20-min spinning time were selected to confrm the data obtained from theoretical model. Subsequent morphological (SEM), chemical-physical (GPC and DSC), mechanical (uniaxial tensile tests), and 
biological (cell viability and adhesion) characterizations were performed