Strengthening biopolymer composite membranes via electrospinning cellulose/chitosan with MWCNTs

The use of cellulose and chitosan as natural, biodegradable polymers is promising in applications like drug delivery and tissue engineering, due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to support cell growth. This study investigates composite membranes from cellulose, chitosan, and polyvinyl alcohol, prepared via electrospinning, incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) to enhance mechanical properties, crucial for maintaining the structural integrity required in tissue engineering scaffolds. A recycled precursor was employed to synthesize MWCNTs via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). FTIR analysis confirmed the affinity potential of the Cell/Ch/PVA/MWCNTs composite, highlighting interactions between functional groups (CH₂, CH₃, –OH, CO). The addition of MWCNTs significantly improved the hardness, electrical conductivity, morphology, and fiber thickness of the Cell/Ch/PVA membranes. These enhancements underscore the potential of MWCNTs to reinforce the mechanical properties and structural integrity of cellulose-chitosan-based composite membranes.

Characterization of Electrospun membranes(SEM microgrphs at 5000 x magnification and Frequency distribution). a micrograph of Cell/Ch/PVA, b plot of fiber diameter for Cell/Ch/PVA, c micrograph of Cell/Ch/PVA/MWCNTs (1% w/w), d plot of fiber diameter for Cell/Ch/PVA/MWCNTs (1% w/w), e micrograph of Cell/Ch/PVA/MWCNTs (3% w/w), f plot of fiber diameter for Cell/Ch/PVA/MWCNTs (3% w/w)