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Microporous chitosan nanofibers functionalized with different amounts of an antimicrobial agent via imine linkage were prepared by a three-step procedure including the electrospinning of a chitosan/PEO blend, PEO removal and acid condensation reaction in a heterogeneous system with 2-formylphenylboronic acid. The fibers' characterization was undertaken keeping in mind their application to wound healing. Thus, by FTIR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy, it was confirmed the successful imination of the fibers and the conversion degree of the amine groups of chitosan into imine units. The fiber morphology in terms of fiber diameter, crystallinity, inter- and intra-fiber porosity and strength of intermolecular forces was investigated using scanning electron microscopy, polarized light microscopy, water vapor sorption and thermogravimetric analysis. The swelling ability was estimated in water and phosphate buffer by calculating the mass equilibrium swelling. The fiber biodegradation was explored in five media of different pH, corresponding to different stages of wound healing and the antimicrobial activity against the opportunistic pathogens inflicting wound infection was investigated according to standard tests. The biocompatibility and bioadhesivity were studied on normal human dermal fibroblast cells by direct contact procedure. The dynamic character of the imine linkage of the functionalized fibers was monitored by UV-vis spectroscopy. The results showed that the functionalization of the chitosan microporous nanofibers with antimicrobial agents via imine linkage is a great route towards bio-absorbable wound dressings with "on demand" antimicrobial properties and biodegradation rate matching the healing stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, the effect of three deterpenated fractions from Origanum majorana L. essential oil on the physicochemical, mechanical and biological properties of chitosan/β-chitin nanofibers-based nanocomposite films were investigated. In general, the incorporation of Origanum majorana L. original essential oil or its deterpenated fractions increases the opacity of the nanocomposite films and gives them a yellowish color. The water solubility decreases from 58% for chitosan/β-chitin nanofibers nanocomposite film to around 32% for the nanocomposite films modified with original essential oil or its deterpenated fractions. Regarding the thermal stability, no major changes were observed, and the mechanical properties decreased. Interestingly, data show differences on the biological properties of the materials depending on the incorporated deterpenated fraction of Origanum majorana L. essential oil. The nanocomposite films prepared with the deterpenated fractions with a high concentration of oxygenated terpene derivatives show the best antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, with fungal growth inhibition of around 85.90%. Nonetheless, the only nanocomposite film that does not present cytotoxicity on the viability of L929 fibroblast cells after 48 and 72 h is the one prepared with the fraction presenting the higher terpenic hydrocarbon content (87.92%). These results suggest that the composition of the deterpenated fraction plays an important role in determining the biological properties of the nanocomposite films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrically conductive hydrogels (ECHs), an emerging class of biomaterials, have garnered tremendous attention due to their potential for a wide variety of biomedical applications, from tissue-engineered scaffolds to smart bioelectronics. Along with the development of new hydrogel systems, 3D printing of such ECHs is one of the most advanced approaches towards rapid fabrication of future biomedical implants and devices with versatile designs and tuneable functionalities. In this review, an overview of the state-of-the-art 3D printed ECHs comprising conductive polymers (polythiophene, polyaniline and polypyrrole) and/or conductive fillers (graphene, MXenes and liquid metals) is provided, with an insight into mechanisms of electrical conductivity and design considerations for tuneable physiochemical properties and biocompatibility. Recent advances in the formulation of 3D printable bioinks and their practical applications are discussed; current challenges and limitations of 3D printing of ECHs are identified; new 3D printing-based hybrid methods for selective deposition and fabrication of controlled nanostructures are highlighted; and finally, future directions are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper reports the preparation and characterization of a series of functionalized chitosan nanofibers designed for tissue engineering. Their functionalization was done by imination with two aldehydes with complementary bioactivity, one possessing antimicrobial activity and the other one having potential to enhance it by improving the cell permeability. The degree of imination of the fibers and the dynamic character of the imine units were investigated by FTIR, 1H NMR and UV–vis spectroscopy, while their morphology was assessed by scanning electron microscopy and polarized light microscopy. The swelling ability and biodegradation were determined in conditions mimicking the physiological environment, i.e. saline buffer and lysozyme medium at 37 °C. Preliminary biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties were evaluated by MTS assay on normal human dermal fibroblasts, and by disk diffusion method against relevant bacterial and fungal reference strains. The fibers showed fast swelling, biodegradation in the presence of lysozyme, biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity. It was concluded that the imination of chitosan nanofibers with two different aldehydes is a promising route towards biomaterials with improved properties for tissue engineering. [Display omitted] • Double functionalized chitosan nanofibers were prepared by imination with two aldehydes. • They showed aldehyde release due to the dynamic character of the imine bonds. • The double imination was a useful tool to control the swelling and biodegradation rate. • The new biomaterials are biocompatible and have antimicrobial properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]