Enhancing Electrospinnability of Chitosan Membranes in Low-Humidity Environments by Sodium Chloride Addition

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Electrospinning of pure chitosan nanofibers is challenging due to humidity sensitivity, limiting consistent production.
• Low environmental humidity negatively affects chitosan solution properties, hindering consistent nanofiber fabrication.
• Developing strategies to improve chitosan electrospinning in variable humidity conditions is crucial for its application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of sodium chloride (NaCl) addition on chitosan electrospinning in low humidity.
• To determine if NaCl enhances spinnability and overcomes humidity-related production issues.
• To assess the impact of NaCl on the physicochemical properties of the resulting chitosan membranes.

Main Methods:

• Chitosan solutions with varying concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl) were prepared.
• Electrospinning was performed under controlled low-humidity conditions.
• Physicochemical properties (conductivity, viscosity, chemical structure, mechanical strength) of chitosan membranes (CM) and sodium-chloride-added chitosan membranes (SCM) were analyzed.
• In vitro cell proliferation was evaluated on both CM and SCM.

Main Results:

• NaCl addition increased solution conductivity and decreased viscosity, facilitating electrospinning.
• Electrospinning of chitosan was significantly improved in low-humidity environments with NaCl.
• No significant differences were observed in chemical structure, mechanical strength, or in vitro cell proliferation between CM and SCM.
• 1% (w/v) NaCl addition did not adversely affect the fundamental properties of chitosan membranes.

Conclusions:

• Sodium chloride (NaCl) addition is an effective strategy to enhance the electrospinnability of chitosan.
• This method allows for consistent production of chitosan nanofibers in low-humidity environments.
• The addition of NaCl maintains the essential physicochemical and biological properties of chitosan membranes, broadening their application potential.