Fabrication and characterization of nanofibers of honey/poly(1,4-cyclohexane dimethylene isosorbide trephthalate) by electrospinning

- We report blending of natural biomaterial with synthetic material.
- We fabricated honey/poly(1,4-cyclohexane dimethylene isosorbide trephthalate) nanofibers via electrospinning.
- Different blend ratios of PICT/honey nanofibers were fabricated and characterized.
- The resultant nanofibers have good mechanical properties and good releasing behavior.
- Proposed material may be used for wound dressings.

We report the fabrication of novel nanofibers using naturally occurring antimicrobial honey incorporated in poly(1,4-cyclohexane dimethylene isosorbide trephthalate) (PICT) for the potential wound dressing applications. We fabricated PICT/honey using three blend ratios 90:10, 85:15 and 80:20 respectively. Morphology of PICT nanofibers and PICT/honey nanofibers was observed under Scanning Electron Microscope and it showed bead-free nanofibers. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscope was used to confirm the presence of honey in PICT electrospun nanofibers. Tensile strength of PICT/honey nanofibers was slightly reduced with variation in effect of elongation. Water contact angle measurements were done with the static contact angle by a contact angle meter, which showed that hydrophobicity was decreased by adding the honey. The XPS spectra showed that honey was present in the PICT/honey nanofibers. The release behavior of honey was investigated by UV-visible Spectrophotometer. The release was complete in 15 min and the maximum release of honey was 72 mg/L in 10 min. Therefore, PICT/honey nanofibers having 15% concentration of honey are suitable for good elastic behavior and tensile strength as compared to other concentrations of honey.