Preparation and Properties of Chitosan–PVA Fibers Produced by Wet Spinning

Chitosan fibers were prepared by wet spinning in three stages. Initially, a polymer solution of chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was solidified in a mixture of potassium hydroxide and ethanol. The polymers were then crosslinked with sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) or glutaraldehyde, and finally dried in methanol or acetone. The effect of these conditions was evaluated based on scanning electron microscopy images, water-holding capacity, and swelling and mechanical properties. The miscibility of the mixture was evaluated using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The results obtained showed that chitosan fibers containing 45% (v/v) PVA and crosslinked using TPP have properties similar to those of commercial sutures prepared using other biomaterials.