Solution blowing of chitosan/PLA/PEG hydrogel nanofibers for wound dressing

In this study, a kind of hydrogel nanofibers were successfully fabricated via solution blowing of chitosan (CS) and polylactic acid (PLA) solutions mixed with various contents of polyethylene glycol (PEG) to offer hydration. The nanofibers with PEG content varying were average 341-376 nm in diameter with smooth surface and distributed randomly forming three-dimension (3D) mats. Glutaraldehyde (GA) vapor was then applied to impart stability, and the cross-linking reaction mainly occurred between GA and hydroxyl groups which was confirmed by XPS. The hydrogel nanofibers showed quick absorption behavior, high equilibrate water absorption and good air permeability which could help the mats absorbing excess exudates, creating a moist wound healing environment and oxygen exchanging in wound healing. The mats also exhibited good antibacterial activities against E. coil. The combination advantages of nanofibers mats and hydrogel will help it find promising application in wound healing.