Production method for electrospun chitosan-based membranes

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Electrospinning is a versatile technique for fabricating polymer membranes.
• Natural polymers like chitosan and collagen offer biocompatibility for biomedical applications.
• Optimizing electrospinning parameters is crucial for tailoring membrane properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize electrospinning conditions for chitosan and collagen-based membranes.
• To investigate the effects of agarose and hydrolyzed collagen on membrane characteristics.
• To develop advanced biomaterials for potential biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• Optimization of electrospinning parameters including flow rate, needle size, injection volume, collector distance, and voltage.
• Fabrication of four membrane formulations: pure chitosan, chitosan-agarose, chitosan-purified collagen, and chitosan-hydrolyzed collagen.
• Characterization of membrane properties such as mechanical strength, elasticity, and water holding capacity.

Main Results:

• Optimal electrospinning conditions identified: 0.1 ml/h flow rate, 16 G needle, 5 ml injection volume, 8 cm distance, and 20 kV voltage.
• Addition of agarose improved elongation at break and maximum stress.
• Hydrolyzed collagen enhanced membrane elasticity and promoted fiber and porous structure formation.
• Pure chitosan membranes exhibited the highest water holding capacity.

Conclusions:

• Standardized electrospinning conditions are effective for fabricating membranes from pure chitosan and its mixtures with natural polymers.
• Incorporating hydrolyzed collagen and agarose significantly enhances the mechanical and biological properties of chitosan-based membranes.
• Hydrolyzed collagen addition is particularly beneficial for promoting desirable fibrous and porous membrane structures.