Electrospun gamma-cyclodextrin ( γ-CD ) nanofibers for the entrapment of volatile organic compounds

Abstract

Electrospinning of gamma cyclodextrin (γ-CD) nanofibers from a DMSO-water solvent system was achieved without using a carrier polymeric matrix. The effects of viscosity and rheological properties on the electrospinnability of γ-CD solutions were examined. XRD and HR-TEM studies confirmed that the electrospun γ-CD nanofibers were amorphous without showing any particular crystalline packing. The surface area of the γ-CD nanofibrous web was three times higher than the γ-CD in powder form. As a preliminary study, we have investigated the molecular entrapment capability of γ-CD nanofibers. γ-CD nanofibers were quite successful for entrapping of VOCs (aniline and toluene) by inclusion complexation, whereas γ-CD in powder form did not show any entrapment capability. © 2013 The Royal Society of Chemistry.