Rapidly and Effectively Improving the Mechanical Properties of Polyelectrolyte Complex Nanofibers through Microwave Treatment

Abstract

A facile method for improving the mechanical properties of polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) nanofibers by microwave treatment is proposed and investigated in chitosan/gelatin (CG) PEC model system. The microwave treatment with 600 W for 120 s produces 1.3-and 2.6-folds elevation on Young's modulus and tensile strength of nanofiber membranes, respectively, which is attributed to the enhanced intermolecular interactions and the increased crystallinity in CG composites. In addition, the microwave-treated CG nanofibers are found still possessing excellent swelling and antibacterial capability, which are indispensable for wound dressing application. Therefore, the microwave treatment can be employed as an effective and rapid strategy to produce PEC nanofibers with ideal mechanical property.

Engineering Sustainable Antimicrobial Release in Silica-Cellulose Membrane with CaCO3-Aided Processing for Wound Dressing Application

“…A CMT8202 universal mechanical testing machine (MTS Systems Corporation, Eden Prairie, MN, USA) using a 200-N load cell [36,37] was applied to investigate the mechanical properties of various membranes. Rectangular specimens were cut into 60 mm × 5 mm and extended at a constant crosshead speed of 20 mm/min with a 40-mm gauge length.…”

Antimicrobial Synthetic and Natural Polymeric Nanofibers as Wound Dressing: A Review

“…[ 112–128 ] The physical and mechanical properties of diverse electrospun fiber are seen in Table 2 . [ 129–140 ]…”

“…[112][113][114][115][116][117][118][119][120][121][122][123][124][125][126][127][128] The physical and mechanical properties of diverse electrospun fiber are seen in Table 2. [129][130][131][132][133][134][135][136][137][138][139][140] Figure 9A illustrates a depiction of a polymeric antibacterial dressing intended to serve as a physical shield of the wound from microbial invasion while promoting fibroblast migration and differentiation. [16] This image shows that an open wound is susceptible to bacterial infection, resulting in a prolonged inflammatory phase and enhanced metalloproteinase expression.…”

“…Increasing hydroxyapatite concentration up to 20 wt% improved the mechanical properties of the composite scaffolds, whereas increases beyond 20 wt% disrupted the polymer chain networks inside the SF NFs and decreased the mechanical properties. [140] best cellular scaffold, reduce scarring, or function as a delivery mechanism for cells or biologically active substances. [155] Polymer-based carbohydrate materials for wound dressing applications are now widely utilized in clinical practices, with positive results.…”

Surface characterizations of membranes and electrospun chitosan derivatives by optical speckle analysis

“…Blends of chitosan with some other natural and synthetic polymers have been reported to get nanofibrous membranes with enhanced properties such as (a) chitosan/gelatin blended nanofibers and polyelectrolyte complex with enhanced antibacterial and mechanical properties, (b) different chitosan blends in anti‐inflammatory and wound healing applications, (c) photocrosslinked chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) blends with varying capacity of water resistance owing to cross‐linking density, and (d) various chitosan blended membranes that have been used for adsorptive purpose from waste water from industries containing dyes and heavy metals as impurities . Previously, our group have reported chitosan derivatives with enhanced organosolubility, antibacterial activity and controlled biodegradation and their composite with PCL as nanofibrous mate and membranes exhibiting enhanced angiogenesis in ex ovo CAM assay .…”