Electrospinning of Quaternized Chitosan-Poly(vinyl alcohol) Composite Nanofiber Membrane: Processing Optimization and Antibacterial Efficacy

Abstract

N-(2-hydroxy) propyl-3-trimethylammonium chitosan chloride (HTCC) is a type of quaternary ammonium chitosan derivative with an antibacterial activity superior to the pristine chitosan, but its electrospinnability is limited. In this study, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was blended with HTCC to improve the electrospinnability of nanofibers. The electrospinning of PVA–HTCC nanofiber membranes was optimized in terms of structural stability and antimicrobial performance. Based on scanning electron microscopic analysis, the morphology and diameter of the produced nanofibers were influenced by the applied voltage, flow rate of the feed solution, and weight ratio of the polymer blend. An increase in the HTCC content decreased the average nanofiber diameter. The maximum water solubility of the PVA–HTCC nanofibers reached the maximum value of 70.92% at 12 h and 25 °C. The antibacterial activity of PVA–HTCC nanofiber membranes against Escherichia coli was ~90%, which is significantly higher than that of PVA–chitosan nanofiber membrane. Moreover, the antibacterial efficiency of PVA–HTCC nanofiber membranes remained unaffected after 5 cycles of antibacterial treatment. The good antibacterial performance and biocompatibility of PVA–HTCC nanofiber membrane makes them attractive for biomedical and biochemical applications that necessitate sterile conditions.

Electrospun Chitosan-Based Nanofibrous Coating for the Local and Sustained Release of Vancomycin

“…As mentioned earlier in the Materials and Methods section , the use of guest polymers, easy to spin such as PVA and PEO, has shown great results in terms of fiber formation and homogeneity. 55 , 56 By blending, chitosan becomes easier to electrospin, and nanofibrous mats with homogeneous characteristics can be obtained. For this reason, different concentrations of PVA and PEO were investigated following the various examples reported in the literature, 44 , 45 , 57 and in Table 1 , the final concentrations chosen for our study are reported.…”

A Sustained-Release Nanosystem with MRSA Biofilm-Dispersing and -Eradicating Abilities Accelerates Diabetic Ulcer Healing

“…With the assistance of free amino groups, positively charged polyelectrolyte can be released from chitosan at a pH ranging from 2 to 6; thus, due to their high solubility compared to chitin solutions, chitosan solutions are highly viscous and complicated for electrospinning. 36 Furthermore, the 3-D network formed via strong hydrogen bonding prevents the movement of polymer chains during exposure to the electric field. 37 The TTO-NL solution obtained above was then mixed with PVP/CS solution mentioned above under magnetic stirring at weight ratios of 1:4 (TTO-NL/polyvinyl alcohol/chitosan).…”

Developments of Core/Shell Chitosan-Based Nanofibers by Electrospinning Techniques: A Review

“…The electrospun nanofiber membranes comprising HTCC/PVA had diameters ranging from 300 to 400 nm [104]. Increasing the electrospinning voltage to 25 kV resulted in a reduction of the fiber diameter to 240 nm [106]. However, increasing the voltage beyond the critical value resulted in the bead formation of HTCC/PVA fibers [106].…”

“…Increasing the electrospinning voltage to 25 kV resulted in a reduction of the fiber diameter to 240 nm [106]. However, increasing the voltage beyond the critical value resulted in the bead formation of HTCC/PVA fibers [106]. The occurrence of beaded nanofibers at elevated voltages was linked to the reduction in the size of the Taylor cone and the simultaneous increase in jet velocity under consistent flow rates [58].…”