One-Step Immobilization of Protein-Encapsulated Core/Shell Particles onto Nanofibers

Abstract

A novel method is described to functionalize nanofibers to form a nanocomposite with core/shell particles in order to control protein release. The nanocomposite is produced by electrically neutralizing negatively charged poly(lactic acid) nanofibers with positively charged poly[(lactic acid)-co-(glycolic acid)] particles via a one-step electrohydrodynamic jetting process. The protein-encapsulated core/shell particles exhibited no significant initial burst release or denaturation. The protein release profile was controlled by porosity and protein/polymer interactions. The method may be promising to engineer intelligent scaffolds that can fulfill the needs of biomimetic materials.