Achieving biocompatible polylactic acid (PLA) fibers via polyphenol additive-assisted melt electrospinning for biomedical applications.

Abstract

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a biodegradable, biocompatible biopolymer with strong potential for biomedical fiber applications, but its low electrical conductivity and high melt viscosity limit fine fiber formation during melt electrospinning (MES). Screening of naturally derived additives identified gallic acid (GA) and quercetin (QC) as compatible with PLA; their incorporation markedly enhanced conductivity and reduced melt viscosity, enabling composite fibers with substantially reduced diameters relative to neat PLA. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed successful incorporation of both additives, while X-ray diffraction showed that GA increased crystallinity and QC induced an amorphous structure, demonstrating additive-dependent structural tunability. Cell viability assays further showed concentration-dependent cytotoxicity toward colorectal cancer cells alongside preserved or enhanced viability in normal fibroblasts, confirming favorable biocompatibility. These findings demonstrate that GA and QC can effectively tailor the processing, structural, and biological characteristics of PLA-based fibers for biomedical applications.