Evaluation of Crosslinking Conditions on the Properties of Chitosan Woven Meshes

Crosslinking of chitosan (CS) woven meshes is reported in this study. CS filaments were obtained by wet spinning and hand-waved. The weft was coated with CS solutions (3 and 4% w/v) and crosslinked with sodium tripolyphosphate or genipin. CS filaments were free from superficial pores, and their mechanical properties were suitable for the weaving process. CS concentration in the coating, type, and the crosslinking time affected the mesh morphology obtained. Crosslinking by both agents was confirmed by spectroscopy, corroborating the reduction of the hydrophilicity of the crosslinked samples in the swelling and contact angle tests. Crosslinking conditions were effective in reducing the mechanical properties variation in the wet state, as well as regulating the degradation rate of the samples. Furthermore, it was observed that crosslinking did not significantly affect the cell viability of CS woven meshes, making them promising materials for application as stress material in a physiological environment.