Abstract: Objective: To prepare electrospinning nanofibrous scaffolds of water-soluble polymers with one-step crosslink technique in ethanol bath. Methods: The fibers received by the ethanol bath were prepared by the technique of one-step crosslink or two-step crosslink. The effect of different crosslink methods on the morphology, structure, crosslink degree, and stability of the fibers was analyzed. Results: Compared with the fibers prepared by the two-step crosslink, the gelatin fibers of one-step crosslink had thinner fiber diameters, larger pores, and higher water up-take, which could sustain the structure of the fibers and scaffolds. The degree of the crosslink could be changed by adjusting the concentration of the crosslinker and the time of crosslinking. The fibers of one-step crosslink were stable enough that additional crosslink treatment was not needed. Conclusion: The technique of one-step crosslink using ethanol bath could sustain the morphology and structure of the fibers, improve the efficiency of crosslink, and prepare the 3D macroporous nanofibrous scaffolds.

Key words: Electrospinning , Ethanol bath , One-step crosslink, Macroporous , Gelatin