Semi-IPN Films and Electrospun Nanofibers Based on Chitosan/PVA as an Antibacterial Wound Dressing

The antimicrobial activity of a wound dressing is a key factor for preventing and treating wound infection. The current study evaluated the physiochemical properties and antimicrobial activities of semi-IPNs (interpenetrating polymer networks) based on chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films and nanofibers as candidates for wound dressings and investigated the effects of morphologies (nanofibrous mats and films), crosslinking conditions of chitosan chains (uncrosslinked and crosslinked with genipin), and the presence of antibacterial drug (doxycycline) on their physicochemical and antibacterial properties. The morphology, chemical structure, fluid uptake, water vapor transmission rate, antimicrobial activity, and doxycycline release profile were assayed using SEM, FTIR spectroscopy, swelling test, permeation test, agar diffusion antibiogram, and dissolution test, respectively. The results demonstrated that crosslinking chitosan with genipin reduced the diameter of nanofibers, fluid uptake, and drug release from both nanofiber mats and film samples. According to the results, wound dressings with film morphology have better antimicrobial activity than those with nanofiber. The chitosan/PVA/Doxycycline 1% film has the potential for use as an antimicrobial wound dressing.