An investigation on the morphology and microstructure of electrospun CMCH/PEO and CMCH/PVA nanofibers

This work reports on the microstructure and antibacterial properties of electrospun carboxy methyl chitosan/poly(ethylene oxide) (CMCH/PEO) and carboxy methyl chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) (CMCH/PVA) nanofibers. The highest share of CMCH in CMCH/PEO and CMCH/PVA in beadless nanofibers was about 50% and 28%, respectively. Higher proportions of CMCH led to unacceptable nanofibers. Depending on the share of the components, an average diameter in the range of 83-209 nm and 218-458 nm was obtained for CMCH/PEO and CMCH/PVA nanofibers, respectively. The average diameter of the nanofibers increased with higher viscosities and decreased with higher electrical conductivity of the electrospinning solutions. FTIR analysis showed interactions between CMCH and PEO or PVA in the hybrid nanofibers. XRD analysis showed dispersed crystallites in a non-crystalline matrix for both CMCH/PEO and CMCH/PVA nanofibers. Both hybrid nanofibers showed a high antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus.