Fabrication and characterization of chitosan/kefiran electrospun nanofibers for tissue engineering applications

Abstract

Chitosan (CS)-based nanofibrous scaffolds are very promising in tissue engineering applications. However, electrospinning of CS is not possible unless using toxic solvents such as trifluoroacetic acid or by blending with other polymers. In the present study, we investigated CS-based nanofibers' fabrication by blending it with kefiran as a natural polysaccharide. A series of solutions with various CS to kefiran ratios were prepared and underwent electrospinning. The effects of main process parameters, including applied voltage and needle tip-to-collector distance on nanofibers' diameter and morphology, were also studied. Nanofibers containing 80% CS and 20% Kefiran with an average diameter of 81 ± 17 nm were successfully electrospun. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated the presence of both polymers in blend nanofibers. The diameter of CS/kefiran nanofibers increased with enhanced applied voltage, while needle tip-to-collector distance did not significantly affect the mean diameters. Appropriate viability of l929 cells on the obtained scaffolds was demonstrated utilizing Alamar blue assay. Also, cell attachment onto the fiber surface was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Results indicated that CS/kefiran nanofibrous scaffolds would be promising for tissue engineering applications.

Effects of fermentation time and pH on quality of black carrot juice fermented by kefir culture during storage

“…A co‐pigmentation effect of lactic acid formed during fermentation on anthocyanins in BCJ was therefore investigated in this study and this anthocyanin stabilizing and/or color‐enhancement effect was revealed for the first time. Moreover, possible effects of exopolysaccharides such as kefiran, glucan, and cycloamylose on color and antioxidant activity of FBs were also discussed for the first time in the light of the data obtained from our study and previous studies in the literature 9‐13 …”

“…This edible exopolysaccharide, which is a water‐soluble branched glucogalactan including d ‐glucose and d ‐galactose, also exhibits antioxidant activity as well as antibacterial, antitumor, anti‐inflammatory, and biocidal activity 9 . The maximum kefiran production by mixed kefir grain microflora occurred at pH 5.6, 3.9, and 3.6 10 . All these results revealed that the reason for the highest antioxidant activity in the FB at pH 3.90 could have been attributable to the kefiran or other exopolysaccharides produced by mixed kefir grain microflora.…”

“…The most important metabolites produced by kefir culture are lactic acid, exopolysaccharides (especially kefiran, glucan, and cycloamylose), acetic acid, glycerol, ethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl octanoate, ethyl decanoate, isopentyl acetate, and phenethyl acetate. [9][10][11][12][13] Among these metabolites, lactic acid, exopolysaccharides, glucan and cycloamylose, in particular, can show significant effects on anthocyanins and other properties (such as texture, consistency, flavor and antioxidant activity) of FBs because of variable functional groups (e.g., hydroxyl and carboxyl) in their chemical structures. A co-pigmentation effect of lactic acid formed during fermentation on anthocyanins in BCJ was therefore investigated in this study and this anthocyanin stabilizing and/or color-enhancement effect was revealed for the first time.…”

Fabrication of gelatin nanofiber webs via centrifugal spinning for N95 respiratory filters

“…Nanofibers are an important class of materials used in various fields such as filtration, tissue engineering, protective suits, energy storage, etc. [ 5 , 6 ]. Although electrospinning is one of the most used methods to produce nanofibers, its commercial use is limited due to its low production speed and appropriateness of a limited number of materials.…”

Electrospun polylactic acid/sulfadiazine sodium/proteinase nanofibers and their applications in treating frostbite

“…35 The blending process is not only easy to be conducted, but also can be facilely to tailor components and compositions of the composite nanofibers for functional applications. [36][37][38] What is more, this simple process hold the largest promise for preparation on an industrial scale. In this experiment, PLA/sulfadiazine sodium/proteinase K nanofibers were prepared based on the single-fluid emulsion electrospinning technology.…”