The synthesis and characterization of zinc-containing electrospun chitosan/gelatin derivatives with antibacterial properties

Abstract Homogenous allocation of inorganic particles in a polymeric matrix is a challenge. In this work, we discuss electrospinning of chitosan /gelatin using CS-Si (chitosan silicone hybrids) as well as the formation of homogeneously distributed Zn elements inside chitosan nanofiber through chitosan –GPTMS hybrids. Chitosan –GPTMS hybrids can be synthesized by acid catalyzed amino-oxirane addition reaction. The proposed mechanism was approved by using spectral and elemental analyses. The chitosan derivative Si-Cs was mixed with gelatin and their solution were applied to electrospinning. Optimization of spinning process is reached. A homogeneous spinnable solution with desirable properties is obtained by addition of Zinc acetate. The characterizations of the spinnable solution in term of electrical conductivity and viscosity were studied. Characterization of the nanofiber formed by SEM show that there is no Zn accumulated on the nanofiber surfaces which is one of the advantages of introducing GPTMS to Cs chain. The superior antibacterial activity of the produced zinc-containing electrospun fibers of Gelatin-Si-Cs nominate it to be applied for medical purpose.