Ghent University. Faculty of Engineering and Architecture ; VU Brussel. Faculty of Engineering
Abstract
This PhD explores the potential of blend electrospinning for the production of nanofibers containing a synthetic component, a natural component and/or well-immobilized pH-sensitive dye molecules for biomedical and colorimetric sensor applications. Within this investigation, focus is given to process stability and scalability using a solvent system with limited toxicity, namely acetic acid/formic acid, and subsequent analysis of the obtained nanofibers. A few model systems were selected, with polyamide-6 and polycaprolactone representing well-processable synthetic polymers, gelatin and chitosan representing the two major biopolymer classes and a few azo dyes representing the vast range of applicable pH-indicators
