Preparation of Nanoscale Polymer Fibers Containing Honey for Superficial Wound Protection against Microbial Agents

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Abstract

Synthesis of biocompatible polymer nanofibers is valuable, due to their use as a cover for burns and as a replacement bandage because of their antimicrobial properties. In this study, electrospinning of chitosan and nanofibers production with antibacterial properties was investigated. Nanofibers with average size ranges between 50-150 nm and appropriate size distribution were synthesized by electrospun of chitosan/poly ethylene oxide polymer solution. The results showed that the chitosan/poly ethylene oxide polymer solution with a ratio of 90 to 10 nm is the optimized polymer solution for nanofiber preparation. Afterwards, the thyme honey with antibacterial properties was used as additives (with different percentages) in the polymer solution. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were showed appropriate size distribution of about 70-120 nm for chitosan/poly ethylene oxide nanofibers with low percentages of honey, like solution of chitosan/poly ethylene oxide without the addition of honey. However, with increase of the amount of honey to chitosan polymer solution, the nodes were increased, but the uniformity of spray droplets on the aluminum screen was observed.

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