Form-stable phase change electrospun nanofibers mat with thermal regulation and biomedical multi-functionalities

Abstract

This study aimed to introduce a smart multifunctional textile composed of a phase change material, i.e., polyethylene glycol (PEG), with a potential for thermo-regulative biomedical application. PEG was efficiently form-stabilized with polycaprolactone, and the nanofibers mats were developed by electrospinning to overcome the PEG leakage issue during the phase change process. Gelatin and curcumin were also incorporated to enable the biomedical performance of the textiles. The results revealed that the electrospun nanofibers possessed randomly oriented morphology, sufficient water absorption capability, good mechanical properties, and excellent phase change performance. The fibers' diameter varied from 220 nm to 370 nm, with a tensile strength ranging from 10 to 30 MPa. Furthermore, the fabricated mats possessed a latent heat of 61.7 J/g and reliable energy absorption-release cyclability over 100 heating-cooling cycles. The curcumin-loaded textiles revealed an initial burst release followed by a sustained release over one week. They further presented a significant antioxidant activity of 81.23.7 ± 3.08 % after 24 h, introducing a great potential application as a biomedical dressing to diminish inflammation with a cooling effect.