Electrospinning of chitosan nanofibers for wound treatment

Chitosan nanofibers can be used in many different ways. In the publication presented here, electrospinning is used to produce chitosan nanofibers to improve wound healing.

Characterization of Electrospinning Chitosan Nanofibers Used for Wound Dressing

Ali, S.H.; Mahammed, M.A.; Yasin, S.A. Characterization of Electrospinning Chitosan Nanofibers Used for Wound Dressing. Polymers 2024, 16, 1984. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16141984

Nanofibers can be advantageous for a wide range of applications due to their high surface-to-volume ratio, small pore diameter, low density and excellent mechanical properties. Through electrospinning, the fibers can be produced from synthetic, natural and blended polymers.

Chitosan is used in nanofibers for wound healing due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability and antimicrobial properties. Chitosan-based nanofibers offer a high surface-to-volume ratio, tunable mechanical properties and excellent biocompatibility, which are critical for promoting wound healing. The high surface-to-volume ratio facilitates cell attachment, migration and proliferation, while the porous structure enables efficient moisture management, creating an optimal environment for wound healing. In addition, the antibacterial properties of chitosan help fight infection in chronic wounds. The hydrophilic nature of chitosan nanofibers improves absorption and retention of wound exudate, maintaining a moist wound environment that is conducive to healing.

In the presented publication, electrospun chitosan nanofibers will be developed and characterized for a potential application in wound healing. The study investigates the effects of different electrospinning parameters on the morphology, hydrophobicity, porosity and antibacterial properties of chitosan nanofibers as well as their biocompatibility with human skin fibroblasts. These parameters are to be optimized in order to achieve the desired nanofiber properties that effectively promote wound healing and prevent infections. A chitosan with a molecular weight of 418 kDa and a degree of deacatylation of 89 % was used. You can find comparable products in our shop.

RESULTS

• Antibacterial Activity: Chitosan nanofibers demonstrated significant antibacterial potential against both Gram-negative (E. coli) and Gram-positive (S. aureus) bacteria, unlike the chitosan natural polymer which showed relatively no antibacterial activity.
• Structural Transformations: FTIR spectra revealed notable differences and similarities between pure chitosan and chitosan nanofibers, indicating structural transformations due to the electrospinning process.
• Crystallinity Characteristics: XRD analysis showed distinct patterns for chitosan polymer and chitosan nanofibers, highlighting changes in crystallinity due to electrospinning.
• Potential for Wound Dressings: The study assessed the potential of chitosan nanofibers in preventing wound infections, showing promising attributes as wound dressings due to their antibacterial properties.
• First Regional Study: This study was the first of its kind in the region to assess the antibacterial properties of electrospun chitosan nanofiber material, demonstrating efficacy against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Conclusion: The study concludes that electrospinning is an effective technique for creating chitosan nanofibers with significant antibacterial properties, making them suitable for use in wound dressings.

Link to article: https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/16/14/1984