The synthesis and characterization of zinc-containing electrospun chitosan/gelatin derivatives with antibacterial properties.

Homogenous allocation of inorganic particles in a polymeric matrix is a challenge. In this work, we discuss electrospinning of chitosan /gelatin using CS-Si (chitosan silicone hybrids) as well as the formation of homogeneously distributed Zn elements inside chitosan nanofiber through chitosan -GPTMS hybrids. Chitosan -GPTMS hybrids can be synthesized by acid catalyzed amino-oxirane addition reaction. The proposed mechanism was approved by using spectral and elemental analyses. The chitosan derivative Si-Cs was mixed with gelatin and their solution were applied to electrospinning. Optimization of spinning process is reached. A homogeneous spinnable solution with desirable properties is obtained by addition of Zinc acetate. The characterizations of the spinnable solution in term of electrical conductivity and viscosity were studied. Characterization of the nanofiber formed by SEM show that there is no Zn accumulated on the nanofiber surfaces which is one of the advantages of introducing GPTMS to Cs chain. The superior antibacterial activity of the produced zinc-containing electrospun fibers of Gelatin-Si-Cs nominate it to be applied for medical purpose.

Using chitosan nanoparticles as drug carriers for the development of a silver sulfadiazine wound dressing.

Burn wounds environment favors the growth of micro-organisms causing delay in wound healing. The traditional treatment with antimicrobial creams offer inaccurate doses. In the present study, a dressing coated with silver sulfadiazine (SSD) loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) for the controlled-release of SSD into burn wound to control bacterial growth was investigated. CSNPs were formulated with different concentrations of chitosan and CM-ß-CD and loaded with SSD complexed in 1:1 molar ratio with CM-ß-CD, CSNPs were assessed for their particle size, polydispersity index, morphology and association efficiency. The formula showing the best characteristics was selected for the preparation of SSD loaded CSNPs wound dressing through a padding process with/without the use of cross-linker. The dressing was characterized for its physical properties, in addition, FTIR, X-ray, SEM and in vitro release were used for characterization. The dressing was proven effective for the inhibition of the growth of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria as well as candida on an infected wound.