Blend of Polyvinyl Alcohol/Chitosan doped by selenium nanoparticles was synthesized via one step laser ablation route to improve the antibacterial activity of the pure blend. The effect of two concentrations of selenium on the optical, structural, and morphological properties of the synthesized PVA/Chitosan/SeNPs nanocomposite films were characterized. The antibacterial activity of the prepared samples has been investigated. XRD and FTIR-ATR results confirm the interaction between selenium nanoparticles and PVA/Chitosan. Furthermore, the change in the values of optical energy band gap confirms the scattered selenium nanoparticles into PVA/Chitosan film. The activity index shows an increase in the diameter zone with increasing the concentration of selenium nanoparticles content. The results confirmed that doping of selenium nanoparticles to (PVA/Chitosan) lead to increase the antibacterial activity of the pure PVA/Chitosan blend that suggests this nanocomposite could be used in several antimicrobial applications.

Physical characterization and antibacterial activity of PVA/Chitosan matrix doped by selenium nanoparticles prepared via one-pot laser ablation route

The accumulation of synthetic plastics used in packaging applications in landfills and the environment is a serious problem. This challenge is driving research efforts to develop biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable barrier materials derived from renewable sources. Cellulose, chitin/chitosan, and their combinations are versatile biobased packaging materials because of their diverse biological properties (biocompatibility, biodegradability, antimicrobial properties, antioxidant activity, non-toxicity, and less immunogenic compared to protein), superior physical properties (high surface area, good barrier properties, and mechanical properties), and they can be assembled into different forms and shapes (powders, fibers, films, beads, sponges, gels, and solutions). They can be either assembled into packaging films or used as fillers to improve the properties of other biobased polymers. Methods such as preparation of composites, multilayer coating, and alignment control are used to further improve their barrier, mechanical properties, and ameliorate their moisture sensitivity. With the growing application of cellulose and chitin-based packaging materials, their biodegradability and recyclability are also discussed in this review paper. The future trends of these biobased materials in packaging applications and the possibility of gradually replacing petroleum-based plastics are analyzed in the “Conclusions” section.

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Chitin- and cellulose-based sustainable barrier materials: a review

Gold(III) recovery from aqueous solutions by raw and modified chitosan: A review.

Recent advances in poly (vinyl alcohol)/natural polymer based films for food packaging applications: A review

Chronic wounds are among the most therapeutically challenging conditions, which are commonly followed by bacterial infection. The ideal approach to treat such injuries are synergistic infection therapy and skin tissue regeneration. In the recent decades, nanotechnology has played a critical role in eradicating bacterial infections by introducing several carriers developed for drug delivery. Moreover, advances in tissue engineering have resulted in new drug delivery systems that can improve the skin regeneration rate and quality. In this study, cefazolin-loaded niosomes were electrosprayed onto chitosan membrane for wound healing applications. For this purpose, niosomes were obtained by the thin-film hydration method; electrospinning was then conducted to fabricate nanofibrous mats. In vitro characterization of the scaffold was performed to evaluate the physicochemical and biological properties. Finally, in vivo studies were carried out to evaluate the potential use of the membrane for skin regeneration. In vitro results indicated the antibacterial properties of the membrane against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) due to the gradual release of cefazolin from niosomes. The scaffolds also showed no cell toxicity. In vivo studies also confirmed the ability of the membrane to enhance skin regeneration by improving re-epithelialization, tissue remodeling, and angiogenesis. The current study could well show the promising role of the prepared scaffold for skin regeneration and bacterial infection elimination.

Electrosprayed cefazolin-loaded niosomes onto electrospun chitosan nanofibrous membrane for wound healing applications.

Biodegradable chitosan films were produced using lactic and acetic acid solutions and glutaraldehyde as crosslinking agent by casting technique. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different acids and the crosslinking on the characteristics and biodegradability of chitosan films. The films were analyzed through thickness, swelling degree, mechanical and thermal properties, chemical structure and biodegradability. The glutaraldehyde release was also evaluated. All films’ properties are deeply affected by the acid type and glutaraldehyde crosslinking. Crosslinking reduced the swelling degree of films, also increasing their fragility. The glutaraldehyde release from the films to the simulant solutions was not observed after the incubation period. Through biodegradation tests, it was observed that the crosslinking does not prevent films’ degradability but longer time is required. The qualitative analysis of ecotoxicity of the films suggests the possibility of composting the developed films. The films presented potential for application as membranes and in packaging, and different formulations can be used according to the desired final characteristics.

Impact of acid type and glutaraldehyde crosslinking in the physicochemical and mechanical properties and biodegradability of chitosan films

A producao de filmes e embalagens a partir de polimeros naturais e biodegradaveis e de grande importância para um desenvolvimento sustentavel. Filmes a base de quitosana apresentam caracteristicas atrativas para a industria de embalagens e alimentos, uma vez que sao biodegradaveis, atoxicose tambem possuem propriedades antimicrobianas.Entretanto, modificacoes quimicas comoa reticulacao e o tratamento alcalino alteram as propriedades dos filmes. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste trabalho e produzir filmes de quitosana e avaliar as suas propriedades quando reticulados com glutaraldeido e/ou tratados com solucao de Na OH.Os filmes foram produzidos por casting e caracterizados de acordo com a espessura, propriedades mecânicas, permeabilidade ao vapor de agua e biodegradabilidade. Foipossivel verificar que os filmes de quitosana tratados com Na OH apresentaram maior rigidez, fragilidade e maior permeância ao vapor de agua quando comparados aos filmes reticulados. Para os filmes reticulados e tratados com a solucao alcalina, os efeitos foram intensificados, apresentando rigidez ainda maior e menor percentual de elongacao. O teste de biodegradabilidade mostrou que ambos os tratamentos nao influenciaram na caracteristica biodegradavel dos filmes.

Desenvolvimento de embalagens biodegradáveis de quitosana e avaliação do efeito da reticulação e do tratamento alcalino em suas propriedades / Development of biodegradable chitosan packaging and evaluation of the effect of crosslinking and alkaline treatment in its properties

Izabelly Cassia May

Papers

Impact of acid type and glutaraldehyde crosslinking in the physicochemical and mechanical properties and biodegradability of chitosan films

Desenvolvimento de embalagens biodegradáveis de quitosana e avaliação do efeito da reticulação e do tratamento alcalino em suas propriedades / Development of biodegradable chitosan packaging and evaluation of the effect of crosslinking and alkaline treatment in its properties