Influence of Reduced Graphene Oxide and Carbon Nanotubes on the Structural, Electrical, and Photoluminescent Properties of Chitosan Films.

Chitosan is a biopolymer with unique properties that have attracted considerable attention in various scientific fields in recent decades. Although chitosan is known for its poor electrical and mechanical properties, there is interest in producing chitosan-based materials reinforced with carbon-based materials to impart exceptional properties such as high electrical conductivity and high Young's modulus. This study describes the synergistic effect of carbon-based materials, such as reduced graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes, in improving the electrical, optical, and mechanical properties of chitosan-based films.

In Situ Growth of Silver Nanoparticles on Chitosan Matrix for the Synthesis of Hybrid Electrospun Fibers: Analysis of Microstructural and Mechanical Properties.

A viable alternative for the next generation of wound dressings is the preparation of electrospun fibers from biodegradable polymers in combination with inorganic nanoparticles. A poly(vinyl alcohol)-chitosan-silver nanoparticles (PVA-CTS-Ag NPs) system has been developed for antimicrobial and wound healing applications. Here, the preparation of PVA-CTS-Ag electrospun fibers using a two-step process is reported in order to analyze changes in the microstructural, mechanical, and antibacterial properties and confirm their potential application in the biomedical field.