In this research Aloe vera is dispersed in a matrix of PVA nanofibers produced by electrospinning. The morphology, microstructure and the controlled release of Aloe vera is investigated. The electrospinning solution was made up of a solution of 8% PVA in water- ethanol(70-30) solution which contained 25, 50, 75 and 99% Aloe vera(W/W relative) to the weight at PVA. The mean nanofiber diameter was measured with the help of SEM mecrographs using Digimizer software. The results that the 25% Aloe vera sample decreased the diameter of nanofiber diameter considerably. Highler percentages of Aloe vera increased nanofiber diameter, however the average diameter at all nanofibers containing Aloe vera was considerably smaller the 100% PVA. FTIR showed no reaction between Aloe vera and PVA. X-ray diffraction patterns showed considerable effect from Aloe vera side on the amorphous structure of PVA. It was shown that the release mechanism of Aloe vera from PVA matrix in phosphate solution was of Fick type and the kinetic of the release followed Higuchi model. It is finelly concluded that PVA nanofibrous web can be used for controlled release of Aloe vera for periods of 2-3 hours. Keywords : nanofiber, PVA, Aloe vera, controlled release
