Abstract
The present research work is focused on the design and investigation of electrospun composite membranes based on citric acid-functionalized chitosan (CsA) containing reduced graphene oxide-tetraethylene pentamine (CsA/rGO-TEPA) as materials with opportune bio-properties for applications in wound dressings. The covalent functionalization of chitosan (CS) with citric acid (CA) was achieved through the EDC/NHS coupling system and was checked by 1H-NMR spectroscopy and FTIR spectrometry. The mixtures to be electrospun were formulated by adding three concentrations of rGO-TEPA into the 1/1 (w/w) CsA/poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) solution. The effect of rGO-TEPA concentration on the morphology, wettability, thermal stability, cytocompatibility, cytotoxicity, and anti-biofilm activity of the nanofibrous membranes was extensively investigated. FTIR and Raman results confirmed the covalent and non-covalent interactions that appeared between the system’s compounds, and the exfoliation of rGO-TEPA sheets within the CsA in the presence of PEO (CsA/P) polymer matrix, respectively. SEM analysis emphasized the nanofibrous architecture of membranes and the presence of rGO-TEPA sheets entrapped into the CsA nanofiber structure. The MTT cellular viability assay showed a good cytocompatibility with the highest level of cell development and proliferation registered for the CsA/P composite nanofibrous membrane with 0.250 wt.% rGO-TEPA. The designed nanofibrous membranes could have potential applications in wound dressings, given that they showed a good anti-biofilm activity against Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacterial strains.
Highlights
Wound dressings represent a modern, versatile, and accessible therapeutic approach, used in order to ensure wound protection against infections and to promote the healing process [1]
NMR spectroscopy is one of the most powerful and conclusive analyses used in order to highlight the covalent functionalization of CS with citric acid (CA), and respectively the synthesis of the CsA final product (Figure 2a,b)
NMR spectroscopy is one of the most powerful and conclusive analyses used in order to highlight the covalent functionalization of CS with CA, and respectively the syn7tohfe1-7 sis of the CsA final product (Figure 2a,b)
Summary
Wound dressings represent a modern, versatile, and accessible therapeutic approach, used in order to ensure wound protection against infections and to promote the healing process [1]. For designing an ideal wound dressing, certain features must be considered, such as biocompatibility, high absorbency for wound exudates, good permeability for oxygen and water vapor to accelerate wound healing, and relevant antibacterial activity [2]. The antibacterial activity of chitosan (CS) is provided by the presence of protonated amino (-NH2) groups in acidic medium and plentiful hydroxyl (-OH) functionalities [3]. The antibacterial activity of chitosan (CS) is provided by the presence of protonated amino (-NH2) groups in acidic medium and plentiful hydroxyl (-OH) functionalitie2sof[137]. This biopolymer exhibits several essential characteristics which make it an appropriate material for applications in the wound dressings field, such as hemostatic Faucrttivhietrym, morue,coth-aisdbhieospioonly, mbieorcoemxhpibatiitbsislietvye, raanldesbsieondteiaglrcahdaarbaiclitteyr,isatsicws wellhiacshlmowakteoxiticainty aa[cp4tp]i.vrAiotpyd,rdmiaittuieocnom-aaalldtyeh,reibasoilotfhno,rhbaeimopcpoolsmictaapttaiicotinabsciltiiitnvyi,ttayhneadnwbdoioumdnuedgcorda-radedashbsiienlsigtiyos,nfiaspelrwdo,eplseluratcsihelsoawasrhetoerxmeilcoaitstyetad[t4itc]o.
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