(12f) Functional Nanofibers from Biomaterial Complexes

Finding biologically safe and improved means of drug delivery is one exploration of electrospun nanofibers. Milk proteins such as the globular whey proteins (i.e., β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin) have been found to be safe and nutritionally beneficial and, hence, are being used and developed for a variety of applications ? from food supplements and coatings to biofilms and drug delivery vehicles. In this study, we seek to combine the inherent advantages of nanofibers with that of whey protein. Solution electrospun nanofiber mats comprised of whey protein and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) have been accomplished and these results will be presented. Our results show that addition of PEO leads to significant changes in viscosity and viscoelasticity. These rheological changes in turn translate to bead-free and uniform final nanofiber morphology. The concept has been further extended to develop nanofibers of other biological polymers including pullulan as well as those otherwise poorly spinnable such as dextran. The effects of various process and solution parameters on rheology as well as final fiber quality will be discussed and correlated.