Non-woven nanofiber chitosan/PEO membranes obtained by electrospinning

Abstract

The present work focused on the preparation and morphological characterization of chitosan-based nanofiber membranes, aiming at applications in medical and pharmacological areas. Membranes with nanofiber diameters ranging from 50 - 300 nm were prepared from polymer solutions through the electrospinning process. To stabilize the process, it was necessary to use poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), which is a biocompatible synthetic polymer. Pure chitosan solutions, as well as chitosan and PEO solution blends, were characterized by their rheological behavior, conductivity, and surface tension measurements. The electrospun fiber thermal characteristics and crystalline structures were investigated through thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Scanning electron microscopy images (SEM) were used for the morphological evaluations of the membranes. The addition of PEO to the chitosan solutions improved their electrical conductivity, surface tension and viscosity, greatly favoring the electrospinning process. Thus, membranes with 80% chitosan could be electrospun.