Raw Data_Electrospun membranes as a porous barrier for molecular transport membrane characterization and release assessment.xlsx

<p>Electrospun nanofibers have been extensively studied for drug release from the inside of the fibres, but have been barely looked at for their potential to control release as a semi-permeable membrane. This study investigated molecular transport behaviours across nanofiber membranes with different micro-structure sizes and compositions. Four types of membranes made by 5% and 10% PCL solutions either electro-spun with or without calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) nanoparticle were tested for membrane morphology, porosity, tensile strength, contact angle of water and their impacts on molecular transport behaviours. The presence of CaCO₃ nanoparticles made the 5% membranes stronger but the 10% membranes weaker due to the different locations of the nanoparticles with the corresponding fibres. Solute transport studies found the 5% membranes can further retard release from the 10% membranes, regardless of only half the amount of material being used for synthesis. The addition of CaCO₃ nanoparticles aided the water permeation process and accelerated the initial transport. The difference in release profiles between 5% and 10% membranes suggests different release mechanisms, with membrane-permeability dominated release for 5% PCL membranes and solute-concentration-gradient dominated release for 10% PCL membranes.</p>