| Electrospinning utilizes an electrical force on the surface of a polymer solution to overcome the surface tension and produce an exceedingly thin charged jet. As the jet extends, the solvent evaporates resulting in one continuous nanofiber that is collected on an electrically grounded collection plate. The addition of therapeutic agents such as lidocaine, erythromycin, and proteins produces an active wound dressing that has a high WVTR (water vapor transmission ratio) and water absorbance. The PCL, Tecoflex® and Estane ® fibers exhibited WVTR values that ranged from 6390–9500 gm−2day−1. In other studies hydrocolloidal and hydrogel occlusive wound dressings have shown WVTR values that range between 71–9390 gm−2day−1. Nanofibers of the same polymers have exhibited water absorption values of 17.9%–213.0% while typical film dressings demonstrate water absorption values of 2.3%. Film dressings have shown slightly higher elongation and mechanical strength values than the nanofiber mats, this is due to the porosity and large surface area exposed in the polymer mats. Electrospun nanofiber mats have the WVTR, water absorption, elongation and mechanical strength values to make them viable options in the field of wound dressings. The ability to add water absorbing and therapeutic agents to the polymer mats are a significant advancement to current multiple layered occlusive dressings. |
