Mechanical, structural and physical aspects of chitosan-based films as antimicrobial dressings

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules 2018-09, Vol.116, p.472-481
• Main Authors: Escárcega-Galaz, Ana A., Sánchez-Machado, Dalia I., López-Cervantes, Jaime, Sanches-Silva, Ana, Madera-Santana, Tomás J., Paseiro-Losada, Perfecto
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomedical applications; Chitosan; Honey-Glycerol; Properties and characterization
• ISSN: 0141-8130; 1879-0003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.04.149

Chitosan is a biodegradable, non-toxic, and antimicrobial polymer. Chitosan films can be used as a dressing because they promote the healing of cutaneous ulcers. In this study, the mechanical, physical, and microbiological properties films of pure chitosan and films formulated with a glycerol-honey mixture were characterized. The films were smooth, homogenous, transparent, and porous, with no fractures or cracks. Additionally, it was found that all were resistant to breaking, that the tearing force was directly related to the chitosan concentration, and that the addition of honey and glycerol improved the elongation percentage. When evaluating the antimicrobial activity of the films against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae, the films were found to have an effect only by direct contact. In the films formulated with honey, the area of contact increased to 44%. The excellent color, structural, antimicrobial, and surface morphological properties of the newly developed films make them a promising alternative for use as a dressing for the healing of skin ulcers. •Chitosan films combined with glycerol and honey are flexible and resistant.•The casting method is a simple and economical alternative for the development of films.•Chitosan films have an antimicrobial effective only by direct contact.•Chitosan films are an alternative for healing skin ulcers.•Glycerol and honey they modify the mechanical properties of films