Production and characterization of biocompatible nanofibrous scaffolds made of β-sitosterol loaded polyvinyl alcohol/tragacanth gum composites

Electrospun polyvinyl alcohol and Tragacanth Gum were used to develop nanofibrous scaffolds containing poorly water-soluble beta-sitosterol. Different Concentration and Ratio of Polymeric composite: (10%) of β-S concentration in (PVA) 8 %, (TG) 0.5%, and 1% respectively were added, prepared and electrospun. The methods have included four parameters (Solution concentration, feeding rate, voltage, and distance of the collector to the tip of the needle) for designing and compared the nanofibers' average diameters. The nanofibers collected were identified via SEM, FTIR, and XRD measurements. A contact angle measurement described the hydrophilicity of the scaffold. MTT test was assessed for obtained nanofibers by using L929 normal fibroblast cells. The %age of mechanical strength, porosity, and deterioration of the scaffolds was well discussed. The average nanofibre ranged from 63 ± 20 nm to 97 ± 46 nm in diameters. The nanofibers loaded with β-S were freely soluble in water and displayed a short release lag time. The dissolution was related to an immediate dissolution, submicron-level recrystallization of β-S with sufficient conditions for nanofibers for L929 cell culture that could be used in biomedical applications. It concluded that electrospinning is a promising technique for poorly water-soluble β-S formulations that could be used in biomedical applications.