Potential of quaternization-functionalized chitosan fiber for wound dressing.

Quaternization-functionalized chitosan fibers were successfully prepared by using 2,3-epoxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride as a quaternized reagent reacted with chitosan fiber. FTIR and (1)H NMR were used to characterize the structure of quaternized chitosan fibers (QCFs). The swelling behavior and mechanical property of QCFs were studied. The results showed that, QCFs had higher liquid absorption capacity than chitosan fiber, while the tensile strength and elongation at break of QCFs were lower than those of chitosan fiber. The antibacterial activity of the QCF had been evaluated by Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The results indicated that, the antibacterial activity of QCF against S. aureus was stronger than that of chitosan fiber. Indirect cytotoxicity assessment of the fibers indicated that QCF was nontoxic to the L929 cell with relatively low extraction concentration. This novel fiber would be used as potential wound dressing for skin regeneration.