Functional and antibacterial characterization of electrospun nanofiber membranes made of chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol

•The production of electrospun nanofiber membranes of chitosan and other polymers has been reported.•Chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol, pectin and carboxymethylcellulose formulations improve mechanical and structural properties.•Nanofiber membranes absorb aqueous medium, simulating skin exudates.•Nanofiber membranes with chitosan and other polymers only have an antibacterial effect by direct contact.•Due to their functional and biological characteristics, membranes have been proposed for the treatment of skin disorders.