Controllable Water-Triggered Degradation of PCL Solution-Blown Nanofibrous Webs Made Possible by Lipase Enzyme Entrapment

Polymers in nanofibrous forms offer new opportunities for achieving triggered polymer degradation, which is important functional and environmental reasons. The polycaprolactone (PCL) nonwoven webs developed this work by solution blow spinning with entrapped enzymes were completely, rapidly controllably degraded when exposure to water. Lipase (CALB) from Candida antarctica was successfully the PCL via an enzyme-compatible water-in-oil emulsion PCL–chloroform added surfactant. Protein (enzyme) detected Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), while time of flight-secondary ion mass spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS) laser confocal microscopy indicated that immobilized within solid fibers as well microbead structures distributed throughout webs. Degradation studies CALB-enzyme functionalized solution-blown (EFSBN)-PCL at 40 °C or ambient temperature showed EFSBN-PCL exposed aqueous pH 8 buffer. Scanning electron (SEM) images partially thinner disappeared first, thus, controlling fiber dimensions could control degradation rates. Rapid attributed combination web structure distribution CALB dry exhibited long storage stability room refrigerated, around 60% catalytic activity being retained after 120 days compared initial activity. Dry conditions rapid upon water demonstrated be used binders degradable textile paper products, components packaging, tissue engineering controlled-release drug industrial consumer product applications.