Electrospun Carboxymethyl Chitosan Nanofibers for Antibacterial Activity for Wound Healing

Electrospinning of carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) solutions in water was studied by adding poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as “guest” polymer. The properties of the CMCS/PVA solutions measured, and effects of the polymer concentration, CMCS/PVA mass ratio and processing parameters on the electrospinnability of CMCS/PVA were investigated. Morphology of the electrospun CMCS/PVA observed by using scanning electron micrographs. Results showed that the ultra-fine fibers could be generated after addition of PVA in different mass ratios of CMCS to PVA from 4–8 wt. % CMCS/PVA solutions. Antibacterial activity of electrospun fibers prepared against Gram (-ve) and Gram (+ve) bacteria is measured via Disk Diffusion Method. Electrospun CMCS/PVA nanofiberwebs show good antibacterial effects towards Gram (+ve) and Gram (-ve) bacteria. Antibacterial activities of electrospun nanofiberwebs increased by increasing the CMCS percent in the electrospun membrane. Results of the higher antibacterial activity of electrospun CMCS/PVA nanofiberwebs oriented its potential applications in wound dressings.