Nanang Qosim, Gareth R. Williams, Mohan Edirisinghe
Alginate (ALG), derived from brown algae, is a promising renewable resource for sustainable materials due to its abundant availability and biodegradability. However, conventional methods of processing ALG into nano-or microfibers face significant challenges due to its intrinsic physicochemical properties. This study investigates the conversion of ALG into beaded polymer fibers using core-sheath pressure spinning (CSPS), focusing on fiber morphology, yield, and structural characterization. To fabricate fibers, ALG is combined with the spinnable polycaprolactone (PCL) polymer. The study analyzes the influence of rotational speed on fiber formation and demonstrates that higher speeds result in finer fibers, with diameters decreasing from 1.98 µm at 2,500 RPM to 1.02 µm at 25,000 RPM. The presence of bead structures in the fibers is attributed to the high surface tension of water, one of the solvents used. The application of a rotational speed of 10,000 RPM is determined to be optimal, since it is able to produce a fiber product with a moderate yield of up to 741 mg while lower speeds result in incomplete fiber production and higher speeds gave reduced yield. Confocal microscopy confirms the core-sheath architecture of the fibers, with ALG as the core and PCL as the sheath. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy validates the chemical composition of the fibers, confirming the presence of both polymers. The results suggest that CSPS is a scalable and environmentally friendly approach to producing ALG-based polymeric fibers with potential applications in drug delivery, where the beaded structure may enhance drug encapsulation and sustained release. © 2025, Avestia Publishing. All rights reserved.
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, Torrington Place, London, WC1E 7JE, United Kingdom; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Politeknik Negeri Malang, Jl. Soekarno Hatta No.9, Jawa Timur, Malang, 65141, Indonesia; UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, 29-39 Brunswick Square, London, WC1N 1AX, United Kingdom