Process Optimization for the Production of Chitosan Nanofibers via Electrospinning

Chitosan (CS) is an important biomaterial recognized for its wide-ranging applications in filtration, wound dressings, tissue engineering, and as a natural antimicrobial agent. The incorporation of nanofibers significantly enhances the filtration performance of materials by increasing surface area. Chitosan-derived nanofibers can also impart antibacterial properties to the resulting nanocomposite filter material. Consequently, the electrospinning process was optimized to produce chitosan nanofibers at the highest feasible concentration for filtration applications. Polyethylene oxide (PEO) was utilized as a co-spinning agent, while glacial acetic acid (50%) served as the solvent during the electrospinning process. Surface morphology and fiber diameter were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The findings indicated that smooth nanofibers were successfully produced from solutions containing 1% to 3.5% chitosan. However, at concentrations of 4% or higher, the production of nanofibers was impeded due to increased viscosity and surface tension of the solution. Additionally, analysis of fiber diameter revealed that higher applied voltage and greater working distance led to the formation of finer nanofibers. In conclusion, the nanofibers produced at the maximum viable concentration of chitosan demonstrate significant potential for antibacterial filtration and biomedical applications.