Polysaccharide nanofibers fabricated by combined ultrasonic atomization and freeze casting

Abstract

Nanofibers with diameters between 100nm to 200nm were easily prepared from various water-soluble polysaccharides by combining ultrasonic atomization with freeze casting. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that fiber diameter and morphology are largely different between the types as well as the concentrations of polymers. Nanofibers of uniform orientation were obtained from alginate, β-1,3-glucan and hyaluronic acid with lower concentrations below 0.4 wt%. Nanofibers of random orientation were obtained from starch with 0.1 wt%. Simple combination of this ultrasonic atomization and freeze casting process can be applied to nanofiber fabrication not only for water-soluble polysaccharides but also for other natural and synthetic polymers.