Functional and biological characterization of chitosan electrospun nanofibrous membrane nucleated with silver nanoparticles

The electrospinning of chitosan nanofibers comprises some issues to produce uniform fibers and avoid their damage. To overcome some of these difficulties, the current research aimed to fabricate a chitosan electrospun nanofibrous membrane and provide material neutralization with 1 M NaOH, evaluate the antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of treated chitosan nanofibers depending on different concentration of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). The chitosan nanofibrous membranes were fabricated on an aluminum foil-covered collector of the electrospinning system. The silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were produced by wet chemical method and incorporated into the Ch-TFA/DMC blend solution. The effect of TFA and DMC blend ratio and processing parameters on nanofibers and AgNPs distribution structure were examined by scanning electron microscopy with EDX. The swelling degree and weight loss capacity were evaluated before and after alkali treatment. Biocompatibility with U2OS cell and antibacterial assay with S. aureus and E. coli were used to assess biological properties. TFA/DCM chitosan membranes' neutralization in 1 M NaOH solution preserves the porous structure and provides insolubility in neutral or basic media. Post-neutralized chitosan nanofibrous membranes demonstrate high biocompatibility and provide the appropriate environment for cell proliferation. AgNPs did not affect biocompatibility but manifest an antibacterial effect against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.