Electrospun Chitosan Nanofibres and its Application

Abstract

Abstract: Chitosan is a biopolymer that has been widely used in medical, pharmaceutical, agricultural, cosmetics, food as well as textile and paper industries due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxic and less allergenic nature. In recent times, chitosan has gained much attention for its application in the form of nanofibres. Nanofibres have diameters in the range of 1 to 100 nanometres. Various processing techniques like drawing, template synthesis, phase separation, meltblown technology, bicomponent extrusion, self-assembly and electro spinning are involved in the fabrication of nanofibres. Among these techniques, electro spinning is the most widely and commonly used technique as it generates ultra-thin nanofibres and has the capacity of mass production. This article reviews the process of electro spinning and applications of the nanofibres containing chitosan in the areas of enzyme immobilization, filtration, wound dressing, tissue engineering, drug delivery, catalysis and as analytical system, biosensor and diagnostic aid in detail.