Electrospun nonwoven mats obtained from natural rubber and polyvinylpyrrolidone with propolis functionalization

Abstract

Natural rubber (NR) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) have emerged as promising materials for biomedical applications. By combining these polymers and employing bioactive agents to functionalize the surface of electrospun nonwoven mats, the biological response of the final material can be significantly enhanced. This study aimed to establish a methodology for producing NR and PVP electrospun nonwoven mats functionalized with propolis, with the goal of advancing their potential clinical applications and contributing to biomedical advancements. Chloroform was used to solubilize NR (15 mg.mL−1) and PVP (200 mg.mL−1), while different solvents were employed for propolis solubilization, with chloroform proving to retain the highest concentration of flavonoids. The propolis was then incorporated into the NR:PVP solution with a 50:50 wt% ratio, followed by electrospinning and subsequent characterization involving Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle measurements and cytotoxicity evaluations. FT-IR analysis confirmed successful chemical integration of the polymers with propolis. The functionalization of the surface with propolis had a discernible impact on the average fiber diameter and wettability properties of the mats, rendering them more hydrophilic compared to previous study data. Additionally, no significant cytotoxicity was observed in the evaluated samples. Thus, the developed methodology for fabricating NR:PVP electrospun nonwoven mats functionalized with propolis yielded promising results, positively influencing the surface characteristics of the mats. These finds encourage further research to explore their potential biomedical applications, such as wound dressings for the treatment of skin lesions.