Electrospun Chitosan/Gelatin/Nano-CaCO3 Hybrid Nanofibers for Potential Tissue Engineering Applications

Abstract

Organic-inorganic hybrid materials are promising candidates for biomedical applications. In this study, chitosan, gelatin, and stearic acid coated nano-CaCO3 were electrospun to fabricate non-woven fibrous mats. The prepared chitosan/gelatin/nano-CaCO3 fibers with different CaCO3 contents (0%, 1%, 3%, and 5% w/v to polymer solution) were examined in terms of morphology, structure, thermal behavior, and antibacterial activity. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy results confirmed the formation of electrostatic interactions between chitosan, gelatin, and CaCO3. Chitosan/gelatin/nano-CaCO3 could be successfully electrospun into nanofibers with average fiber diameters between 184 +/- 45 and 237 +/- 55 nm and enhanced thermal stability. Electrospinning biopolymer blend with added calcium carbonate at higher concentration (3-5%) resulted in the formation of antibacterial fibers against B. subtilis, C. albicans, K. pneumonia, and S. aureus. According to all these favorable features, electrospun chitosan, gelatin, and nano-CaCO3 fibers seem to be attractive materials for biomedical applications.