Chitosan Nanofibers: A Review on Biomedical Applications and Their Fabrication

This review aims to systematically consolidate methods for fabricating chitosan nano-fibers (CSNFs), examine the key factors influencing their production, and justify the use of chitosan in nanofiber-based drug delivery systems. Additionally, the review seeks to analyse the surface modification methodologies and the physicochemical properties of CSNFs, encompassing drug loading potential, drug release pattern, particle size distribution, along with zeta potential and stability, while also offering a summary of current patents pertaining to CSNFs. A variety of well-established methodologies, including melt-blowing, the emulsion approach, and centrifugal jet spinning, have been employed to produce CSNFs.The various excipients, like right solvents, polymers, co-polymers, and non-solvents, were selected based on the method of preparation. Using a number of well-known technologies like electrospinning, self-assembly, phase separation, melt-blowing, emulsion procedures, and centrifugal jet spinning, CSNFs were prepared and developed effectively. It should be noted that the careful choice of solvents, polymers, co-polymers, and non-solvents, as well as the fine-tuning of process parameters, led to uniform CSNFs with controlled fibre morphology and good physicochemical qualities that would make them useful for biomedical purposes. This review outlines the various fabrication techniques for CSNFs and the principal factors that influence their characteristics. Because of their easy degradation and biocompatible nature, CSNFs are excellent candidates for drug delivery and other biomedical applications. Furthermore, methodologies for surface modification, key physicochemical properties, and the expanding patent landscape all indicate how CSNFs could be applied in the biological field in the near future.