Fabrication, Characterization and Process Parameters Optimization of Electrospun 58S Bioactive Glass Submicron Fibers

Due to its excellent biocompatibility, bioactivity and osteo-conductivity, bioactive glass (BG) has become an interesting topic in tissue regeneration field Over the past decades. Herein, the fabrication of bioactive glass submicron fibers by employing an electrospinning process based on sol-gel is reported. Starting sol was prepared by mixing tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), triethyl phosphate (TEP) and calcium nitrate tetrahydrate as precursors in an adequate solvent. Different amounts of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was used in order to investigate the polymer content effect on fibers. Furthermore, electrospinning parameters such as voltage and working distance were optimized. The lowest average fiber diameter was obtained at PVA/BG sol ratio of 8:4, voltage and working distance of 20 kV and 10 cm respectively, which is reported as optimized sample (0.991 μm before and 0.7 μm after calcination). After the heat treatment and de-polymerization, structural characterizations were done. XRD pattern and FT-IR spectrum revealed the presence of bioactive glass. Results indicated that the fibers diameter and homogeneity were reduced after calcination and showed an intensification by increasing polymer.