Fabrication of Forcespinning® nanofibers incorporating nopal extract. Issue 5 (23rd December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rodriguez, Cristobal; Padilla, Victoria; Lozano, Karen; McDonald, Andrew; Materon, Luis; Chapa, Alejandra; Ahmad, Fariha; De Leo, Carlos Trevino; Gilkerson, Robert
• Is Part Of: Polymer international. Volume 70:Issue 5(2021)
• Page Start: 679
• Page End: 686
• Publication Date: 2020-12-23
• Subjects: O. cochenillifera -- nopal extract -- nanofibers -- Forcespinning® -- wound healing -- antibacterial; Plastics -- Periodicals; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; 547.7
• DOI: 10.1002/pi.6163
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-8103

Abstract

Abstract: In this study, nanofibers composed of Opuntia cochenillifera nopal mucilage (N) extract combined with chitosan (CH) and pullulan (PL) (N/CH/PL) were produced via Forcespinning®. The developed nonwoven composite membranes are composed of long, continuous and homogeneous fibers with average fiber diameter varying between 251 ± 77 nm and 406 ± 127 nm depending on the concentration of N. After crosslinking, the developed membranes were highly stable in water. The water absorption capacity of the N/CH/PL composite nanofiber membranes was shown to be 65% higher compared to CH/PL nanofiber membranes. Nopal dip‐coated membranes show inhibition of Gram‐negative Escherichia coli, indicating antibacterial properties. These findings suggest that the incorporation of naturally derived nopal extract into nanofiber systems could provide a natural alternative for dressings used in wound healing applications. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry Abstract : The fabrication of chitosan/pullulan composite nanofibers incorporating nopal ( Opuntia cochenillifera ) extract is demonstrated. The fibers show thermal stability while exhibiting intrinsic antibacterial capabilities as a natural alternative for wound healing applications.