In this study, Response Surface Methodology was used to optimize the electrospinning process parameters including voltage, distance, and flow rate in order to obtain catechin-loaded electrospun nanofibers from Azivash (Corchorus olitorius. L) gum-polyvinyl alcohol with the minimum diameter of nanofibers. The optimum electrospinning conditions were applied for catechin encapsulation at different loading concentrations (500, 1000, 2000 and 3000 mg L-1). According to the results, increase in catechin concentration led to increment in polymer solution viscosity. However, electrical conductivity decreased and mean diameter of nanofibers increased from 89 nm to 371 nm. There was a robust interaction between the catechin and polymer matrix; also addition of catechin improved thermal stability of nanofibers. In general, at higher catechin levels, despite increasing loading capacity, encapsulation efficiency was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Optimum nanofibers loaded with 500 and 1000 mg L-1 catechin can be considered to apply in active food packaging and pharmaceutical applications.
Keywords: Azivash gum; Catechin; Electrospinning; Encapsulation; Polyvinyl alcohol.
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