title: Insoluble synthetic polypeptide mats from aqueous solution by electrospinning.
abstract: Water-insoluble nanofiber mats of synthetic polypeptides of defined composition have been prepared by a process involving electrospinning from aqueous solution. L-ornithine is a physiological amino acid. Fibers of poly(L-ornithine) (PLO) were produced at feedstock concentrations above 20% w/v. Applied voltage and needle-to-collector distance were crucial for nanofiber formation. Attractive fibers were obtained at 35-40% w/v. Fiber diameter and mat morphology have been characterized by electron microscopy. Polymer cross-linking with glutaraldehyde (GTA) vapor rendered fiber mats water-insoluble. The study has yielded two advances on previous work in the area: avoidance of an animal source of peptides and avoidance of inorganic solvent.
authors.forename: Dhan B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Khadka
authors.forename: Donald T
authors.initials: DT
authors.lastname: Haynie
mesh_terms: D005976:Glutaral / Q000737:chemistry*; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D057139:Nanofibers / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009952:Ornithine / Q000737:chemistry*; D010455:Peptides / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D012995:Solubility
chemical_list: D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D010455:Peptides; C008973:polyornithine; D009952:Ornithine; D005976:Glutaral