Solid‐State Crosslinking of Polysaccharide Electrospun Fibers by Atmospheric Pressure Non‐Equilibrium Plasma: A Novel Straightforward Approach. Issue 11 (8th May 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liguori, Anna; Paltrinieri, Laura; Stancampiano, Augusto; Gualandi, Chiara; Gherardi, Matteo; Colombo, Vittorio; Focarete, Maria Letizia
• Is Part Of: Plasma processes and polymers. Volume 12:Issue 11 (2015)
• Page Start: 1195
• Page End: 1199
• Publication Date: 2015-05-08
• Subjects: atmospheric non‐equilibrium plasma -- biopolymers -- crosslinking -- electrospun fibers -- pullulan; Plasma polymerization -- Periodicals; Plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition -- Periodicals; Plasma chemistry -- Periodicals
• DOI: 10.1002/ppap.201500054
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1612-8850

Abstract

Abstract : In this work, the effectiveness of atmospheric pressure non‐equilibrium plasma, generated by a dielectric barrier discharge and operated in air, in successfully crosslinking water soluble pullulan electrospun fibers is demonstrated. After being exposed to plasma, the fibers show a remarkable capability to preserve structural stability and fiber morphology upon water exposure. The gel fraction and the water absorption are quantified to evaluate the crosslinking efficiency of different plasma operating conditions, and ATR‐FTIR characterization provided some insights into plasma‐induced modification of pullulan chemical structure. Abstract : A straightforward crosslinking approach applied to a water soluble polysaccharide directly in the solid state is reported. Atmospheric pressure non‐equilibrium plasma is used for the first time to induce the crosslinking of pullulan electrospun fibers. The proposed approach is highly flexible, cost‐effective and it does not require potentially toxic agents.