Innovative processes for the production of new nanocomposite materials by electrospinning technique

The technical parameters for electrospinning solutions of biodegradable polymers poly(ε-caprolactone), poly(lactic acid) and their composites with active molecules were defined and set up. A trial-and-error approach has been employed by varying solution properties and processing parameters to obtain uniform defect-free fibers. Amoxicillin drug was intercalated in layered double hydroxide nanoparticles by coprecipitation and then the modified nanohybrid was successfully encapsulated at different concentrations into poly(ε-caprolactone) matrix by the electrospinning technique. Non-woven fibrous mats were fabricated and characterized in terms of morphology, in vitro release and antibacterial properties. Blends of poly(lactic acid) and poly(ε-caprolactone), loaded with different amounts of amoxicillin were electrospun to investigate the release behaviour and obtain a controlled and tuneable release. Morphology and thermal behaviour were found dependent on the component ratio as well as on the incorporated drug amount. [edited by author]