Viscose material functionalized by chitosan as a potential treatment in gynecology

Abstract

This paper presents the functionalization of viscose cellulose material with chitosan for potential application in cellulose tampons for everyday use that would not display negative side effects, such as irritation of the vaginal wall, toxic shock syndrome, etc. The technological parameters of tampons, amount of amino groups due to chitosan adsorption, and the antimicrobial activity of the tampons were analyzed. Aqueous chitosan solutions buffered with lactic or acetic acid were sprayed on viscose fibers, from which tampons were prepared and dried at 40°C in an air chamber or at room temperature. Adsorption of chitosan was determined by conductometric titration. The absorptivity and antimicrobial activity of the tampons were determined by standard methods. It is concluded that tampons prepared in this way possess the following new properties: maintenance of the physiological pH of the vagina together with its moisturizing effect, good technical properties, and antimycotic, as well as antibacterial, activity.