Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a widespread disorder, with researchers constantly looking for more efficacious treatments. Natural oils are reported to be an effective therapy for dry skin, and medical textiles can be used as an alternative or supporting therapy. In this study, fibrous membranes from poly(vinyl butyral-co-vinyl alcohol-co-vinyl acetate) (PVB) with low and high molecular weights were manufactured to obtain nano- and micrometer fibers via electrospinning for the designed patches used as oil carriers for atopic skin treatment. The biocompatibility of PVB patches was analyzed using proliferation tests and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which combined with a focused ion beam (FIB) allowed for the 3D visualization of patches. The oil spreading tests with evening primrose, black cumin seed, and borage were verified with cryo-SEM, which showed the advantage nanofibers have over microfibers as carriers for low-viscosity oils. The skin tests expressed the usability and the enhanced oil delivery performance for electrospun patches. We demonstrate that through the material nano- and microstructure, commercially available polymers such as PVB have great potential to be deployed as a biomaterial in medical applications, such as topical treatments for chronic skin conditions.

• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Monoacylglycerols (MAGs) have proven of great interest to the foodstuffs industry due to the promising antibacterial activity they show for controlling microbial contamination. Prior to this paper, this antibacterial agent had not been incorporated in a nanofibrous membrane. This study details convenient fabrication of nanofibrous membranes based on polyvinyl butyral (PVB) containing various concentrations of monocaprin (MAG 10) by an electrospinning process. Increasing the concentration of MAG 10 caused differences to appear in the shape of the nanofibers, in addition to which the level of wettability was heightened. Besides exhibiting antibacterial properties, the functional membranes demonstrated especially good antifouling activity. The novel and efficient nanofibrous membranes described have the potential to find eventual application in medical or environmental fields.

• Keywords
• antibacterial, antifouling activity, monoacylglycerols, nanofibrous membranes, polyvinyl butyral, wettability,
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH