Development of Chitosan-Gelatin nanofibers with cellulose nanocrystals for wound dressing applications

Abstract

In this work, biodegradable polymers such as chitosan (CS) and gelatin (Gel), were used to produce natural membranes for wound dressing and drug delivery systems. The solutions and electrospun parameters of CS-Gel systems were optimized and CS-Gel fibers were successful produced. FESEM images demonstrated that uniform fibers were obtained with sizes ranging from 97 to 110 nm. Additionally, cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were incorporated into the polymeric solutions in order to improve the membranes´properties. Propolis natural extract was also used as natural antibacterial agent.