Functional hybrid fibers of cellulose/microcrystalline chitosan. I. Manufacture of viscose/microcrystalline chitosan fibers

Abstract

Nano-fibres containing quaternised chitosan (QCh) have been successfully prepared by electrospinning of QCh solutions mixed with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). The average fibre diameter is in the range of 60–200 nm. UV irradiation of the composite electrospun nano-fibrous mats containing triethylene glycol diacrylate as cross-linking agent has resulted in stabilising of the nano-fibres against disintegration in water or water vapours. Microbiological screening has demonstrated the antibacterial activity of the photo-cross-linked electrospun mats against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The obtained nano-fibrous electrospun mats are promising for wound-healing applications.