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Preparation and Characterization of SDF-1α-Chitosan-Dextran Sulfate Nanoparticles
Published on: January 22, 2015
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Chitosan based nanofibers, review
Maher Z Elsabee1, Hala F Naguib1, Rania Elsayed Morsi2
1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, 12613, Egypt.
Summary
Electrospinning natural polymers like chitin and chitosan into nanofibers is challenging but achievable using specific solvents and derivatives. This review explores methods for creating high-quality chitin and chitosan nanofibers for diverse applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Chitin and chitosan are abundant natural polymers with significant potential in biomedical and industrial applications, including wastewater treatment.
- Electrospinning is a key technique for producing nanofibers, but chitin and chitosan present challenges due to their properties.
- Developing methods for electrospinning these polymers is crucial for unlocking their full application potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review various successful approaches for electrospinning chitin, chitosan, their derivatives, and polymer blends.
- To highlight techniques that overcome challenges in electrospinning these natural polymers.
- To provide insights into the production of high-quality chitin and chitosan nanofibers.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing specialized solvents like 90% acetic acid to reduce surface tension and enable electrospinning.
- Employing mixtures of organic acids for homogenous and uniform fiber production.
- Investigating soluble derivatives of chitin (dibutyryl, carboxymethyl) and chitosan (hexanoyl, polyethyleneglycol, carboxymethyl, quaternized derivatives).
- Exploring polymer blends of chitin/chitosan with commercial polymers to achieve uniform, bead-free fibers.
Main Results:
- Successful electrospinning of chitin and chitosan is feasible using specific solvent systems and chemical modifications.
- Chitin and chitosan derivatives, as well as polymer blends, yield nanofibers with improved qualities compared to unmodified polymers.
- Uniform, bead-free nanofibers can be produced through various electrospinning strategies.
Conclusions:
- Electrospinning of chitin, chitosan, their derivatives, and blends is a viable method for producing advanced nanomaterials.
- The choice of solvent, derivative, or blending strategy significantly impacts the quality and properties of the resulting nanofibers.
- This review consolidates knowledge on overcoming electrospinning challenges for chitin and chitosan, paving the way for their expanded use.
