Chitosan-based glycerol-plasticized membranes: bactericidal and fibroblast cellular growth properties

Chitosan-based glycerol-plasticized membranes were prepared aiming to develop low-cost and biocompatible material for wound dressing. They were produced by casting/solvent evaporation, and their formation mechanisms were attributed to intra- and inter-hydrogen bonds between materials. The results show that the glycerol acted as plasticizer and changed the proliferation of fibroblast cells on chitosan membranes. A high increase in the contact angle between water and membrane was observed comparing pure chitosan (more hydrophilic) and chitosan-glycerol (more hydrophobic) membranes. The angle values were found to be similar to 40 and similar to 130 degrees for chitosan and chitosan/glycerol 30% (w/w) membranes, respectively. In comparison with pure chitosan, glycerol-mixed membranes showed lower glass transition temperatures and are less brittle when handling. The antibacterial properties of such membranes against Gram-negative (E. coli) and Gram-positive (S. aureus and B. Cereus) microorganisms were tested, showing efficient growth inhibition. In vitro studies over fibroblast cells using plasticized membranes demonstrated good viability and enhanced cell proliferation in comparison with those composed of pure chitosan. Such results suggest that the as-prepared chitosan-glycerol membrane is a promising material for use as wound dressing in tissue engineering applications.