Hi all, I want to prepare PLGA 50:50 solution for electrospinnning (nanofiber preparation). Can anybody advise what type of solvent to use for it and at what temperature? I tried dissolving it in Hexafluorpropanol (HFP), but the polymer is forming lump in there. Any suggestions would be really appreciated.
Thanks!
Dear Shalini,
It's not good in your case HFIP ??
For a PLGA with similar composition (50/60) I have used chloroform as solvent to characterize the molecular weights by SEC (size exclusion chromatography). Moreover, some suppliers (e.g., Mitsui) are mentioning CH2Cl2, CHCl3, DMF, DMSO, THF as solvents for these grades.
On the other hand, where is considered the processing by electrospinning it is possible to use one or more solvents, thus some information from literature can be helpfully. See you below some information selected by me.
Good luck in your research and best regards,
Marius
PS: For help & eventual interest:
Yi-Pin Chen, Hsin-Yi Liu, Yen-Wei Liu, Tzung-Yan Lee, and Shih-Jung Liu, “Determination of Electrospinning Parameters’ Strength in Poly(D,L)-lactide-co-glycolide Micro/Nanofiber Diameter Tailoring,” Journal of Nanomaterials, vol. 2019, Article ID 2626085, 8 pages, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/2626085.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330711848_Determination_of_Electrospinning_Parameters'_Strength_in_PolyDL-lactide-co-glycolide_MicroNanofiber_Diameter_Tailoring
Ho Joon Shin, et al. (2006) Electrospun PLGA nanofiber scaffolds for articular cartilage reconstruction: mechanical stability, degradation and cellular responses under mechanical stimulation in vitro, Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition, 17:1-2, 103-119, DOI: 10.1163/156856206774879126
An Introduction to Electrospinning and Nanofibers (book)
Seeram Ramakrishna (National University of Singapore, ), Kazutoshi Fujihara (National University of Singapore, ), Wee-Eong Teo (National University of Singapore, ), Teik-Cheng Lim (National University of Singapore, ), and Zuwei Ma (National University of Singapore, ) Default Book Series. June 2005
Some suitable solvents for PLGA (Poly Lactic co-Glycolic Acid): acetone, chloroform, dichloromethane, dimethylformamide, ethyl acetate, and tetrahydrofuran.
Marius Murariu Carlos Araújo Queiroz Adeyinka Aina Thank you for your suggestions. Can you please tell me the PLGA solution preparation conditions? As in what temperature should the PLGA be dissolved in, how long should it be stirred? I tried it with HFP first, however, the solution was becoming so thick and forming lumps that the stirrer stopped working. I found that very weird though, since it was mentioned that PLGA is supposed to dissolve in HFP. With chloroform, I did get a little better result, but the solution consistently kept clogging up the needle during electro spinning, like every 2 minutes. So it was not working. It would be great if you can suggest otherwise.
Thanks,
Shalini
With DCM, dissolution is almost instantaneous, weight out your PLGA and add the DCM, with a little bit of swirling you should attain dissolution but ensure it is completely dissolved.
Adeyinka Aina Thank you very much. I'll have a go at it and see how it works
Dear Shalini,
Following your message, I will specify that I have used PLGA 50/50 for HME (hot melt extrusion) following an original method for encapsulation of API (active pharmaceutical ingredients).
The information about some solvents that can be used for this specific grade was obtained from the suppliers of PLGA, whereas the chloroform was typically used as solvent for the SEC characterization of samples.
If you will need additional data connected to the electrospinning of PLGA, please consider the sources indicated by me in the previous message . Of course, I can come back by citing other studies!
Good luck in your R&D study and best regards,
Marius
Dear, i would recomend toluene. at 40°C you can disolve any glycolic and lactic polymer. Also chloroform is a good choise at 25°C
- Badges
- Science topic