Standalone poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanowebs were developed in an environmentally friendly manner, and their breathability values were obtained. The strength of nanowebs was enhanced by heat cross-linking. Breathability values of untreated and heat cross-linked nanowebs remain the same indicating that stronger nanowebs can be developed without compromising its breathability. Transmission FTIR showed an increase in the crystallinity and no significant changes in the structure of PVA nanowebs after heat cross-linking. Stronger and breathable nanowebs can find broader applications such as tissue culture scaffolds, protective clothing liners, and air filters.

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Electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanowebs treated with honey were prepared to exploit the high surface area of nanofibers and the many different beneficial properties of honey. Nanowebs fabricated from biocompatible polymers like PVA, and treated with natural substances like honey, may find use in various biomedical applications such as wound bandages. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to confirm the incorporation of honey into electrospun PVA nanowebs. Treated nanowebs were characterized by evaluating their antimicrobial properties, breathability characteristics, and tensile properties. PVA nanowebs treated with honey demonstrated adequate breathability characteristics for potential use in wound dressings. In this study, no antibacterial activity was observed after treatment with honey.

Drug (vitamin B2, riboflavin, VB2)/nanoparticle (TiO 2 , coated on drug surface) loaded poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofiber webs were successfully produced by the electrospinning process. The characteristics of nanofiber structure, chemical composition, mechanical properties, and drug-release properties were investigated. The morphology and diameter of nanofibers were analyzed by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The chemical composition and mechanical properties of nanofiber webs were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Instron tensile tester. The drug-release properties of nanofiber webs were studied by liquid chromatography−mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The influences of TiO 2 :VB2 ratios (0, 18:1, 9:1, 4.5:1, 2.25:1, and 1:1) and releasing time on release behavior of PVA/VB2/TiO 2 nanofiber webs were also investigated, with the corresponding virgin PVA nanofibers and LC-MS grade water as control. Among all of the tested samples, PVA/VB2/TiO 2 nanofiber webs with TiO 2 :VB2 ratios of 18:1 and 9:1 exhibited a steady release rate with 60% of VB2 released around 168 h and all VB2 released around 10 days. In addition, by coating VB2 with TiO 2 , the burst release was effectively prevented due to three mechanisms: surface modification, polymer morphology, and coated surface. The results in this study indicate drug-loaded and nanoparticle-coated hydrophilic nanofiber webs are useful candidates for steady drug release in the drug delivery application field.

Electrospun poly (vinyl alcohol) [PVA] nanowebs functionalized with a commercially available microbiocidal solution Reputex™ 20 were prepared. The active ingredient of Reputex™ 20 is polyhexamethylene biguanides, a safe antiseptic. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy confirmed the functionalization of PVA nanowebs. Functionalized nanowebs were characterized by evaluating their antimicrobial properties, breathability characteristics and tensile properties. Functionalized nanowebs demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Nanowebs developed from biocompatible polymers like PVA, and functionalized with safe antiseptics, could find many biomedical applications such as wound bandages.