The field of material science has significantly improved in recent years, particularly with the emergence of new fabrication techniques. One of them is the modified coaxial electrospinning (CE) technique, which phenomenally transforms the production of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) fibres. This groundbreaking approach not only overcomes limitations in traditional electrospinning methods but also opens new possibilities in biomedical and industrial applications.
The common electrospinning methods have been effective, but they have always been accompanied by problems such as needle blockage and non-homogeneity in the fibre morphology. These factors stand as obstacles to the advent of good-quality fibres for specialized applications. Recognising the need for innovation, Professor Dr Ang Bee Chin from the Department of Chemistry Engineering, Universiti Malaya has developed a modified coaxial electrospinning technique. The modified coaxial electrospinning technique is an advanced method used in nanofibre fabrication, where two or more different materials are electrospun simultaneously to create composite fibres with distinct inner and outer structures. Its principle is based on a core-shell system, whereby a solvent layer surrounds the PLA core, preventing clogging and ensuring smooth, continuous fibre formation. The technology’s ability to control fibre morphology through precise adjustments of the core-to-shell flow rate ratio has made it a game-changer, particularly in fields like tissue engineering and drug delivery.
In essence, the modified CE technique uses a dual-layered approach to produce PLA fibres. The core-to-shell flow rate ratio, a critical parameter in the process, determines the fibre's thickness and the size of any bead formations along the fibres. Careful manipulation of the ratio enables Professor Dr Ang to create fibres with tailored properties, ranging from thin, bead-free structures to more complex "beads-on-a-string" configurations.
The solvent layer plays an important role by acting as a protective barrier around the PLA core. This prevents the polymer from hardening too quickly, which is the common cause of needle clogging in traditional methods. Additionally, the solvent layer ensures a consistent fibre flow, even under challenging conditions. This setup enhances production efficiency as well as flexibility in fibre production with specific characteristics.
The versatility of the modified CE technique lies in its ability to produce PLA fibres with properties customised for various applications. For instance, by adjusting bead size and fibre diameter, the mechanical strength, flexibility, and surface properties can be adjusted. This makes PLA fibres ideal for biomedical applications, such as tissue scaffolds and drug delivery systems. In tissue engineering, tailored fibres can support cell growth and adhesion, enabling the creation of scaffolds that mimic the natural extracellular matrix. Meanwhile, in drug delivery, the beads along the fibres can serve as reservoirs, facilitating the gradual release of therapeutic agents over time. This dual-purpose functionality adds immense value to the fibres' application potential.
Beyond its functional benefits, the modified CE method addresses sustainability challenges in material science. PLA, being a biodegradable polymer derived from renewable resources, aligns with global efforts to reduce environmental impact. By minimising waste and optimizing material usage, this method contributes to more sustainable production practices.
The journey to perfecting the modified CE technique was not without obstacles. One major challenge was ensuring consistent fibre morphology while maintaining desired mechanical properties. Variations in environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity pose additional challenges as they require precise control during the electrospinning process. Another significant hurdle was achieving uniform crystallinity across the fibres. Crystallinity directly impacts the fibres’ tensile strength and flexibility, making it a crucial factor in their performance. Professor Dr Ang overcame this by optimising parameters like jet flight time and core flow rate, ensuring better alignment and solidification of the PLA chains.
Looking ahead, Professor Dr Ang plans to scale up the technology for commercial production, which would make it accessible to a wider range of industries. Additionally, there is interest in adapting the method to work with other biodegradable polymers, potentially expanding its utility in fields like filtration, protective textiles, and environmental monitoring.
Researcher featured:
Professor Dr Ang Bee Chin
Department of Chemical EngineeringFaculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya
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T: +603-7967 5258
Author:
Ms Fiona Wong Yan Qi
A passionate medical student who loves to combine her interests in science and writing. I’m captivated by the complexities of the human body and enjoy crafting stories that illuminate the human experience.
Copyedit:
Siti Farhana Bajunid Shakeeb Arsalaan Bajunid, Assistant Registrar, UM
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