Characteristics of chitosan fiber and their effects towards improvement of antibacterial activity

We selected eight kinds of chitosan fibers to characterize and analyze their composition, surface morphology, and mechanical properties. Crucially, we investigated their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans and the dependence on the molecular weight (Mw) and the degree of deacetylation (DD). On that basis, the relationship between antibacterial activity and Mw and DD can be established. Finally, the antibacterial mechanism of chitosan fiber was obtained. The results show that the inhibition rate of samples I, K, L, and M against Staphylococcus aureus first increased and then decreased with the increase of Mw, and their bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli decreased with the increase of Mw when the DD was similar. This study provides an effective strategy for characterizing the chitosan fiber and the resultant relationship between antibacterial property and structural parameters that may benefit the enhancement of antibacterial activity and application in antibacterial textiles.

Automated summary

In this study, we characterized and analyzed eight types of chitosan fibers in terms of their composition, surface morphology, and mechanical properties. We also investigated the antibacterial activity of these fibers against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans, and examined the relationship between antibacterial activity and the molecular weight and degree of deacetylation. Additionally, we determined the antibacterial mechanism of chitosan fibers. The findings provide insights into the properties of chitosan fibers and offer effective strategies for enhancing their antibacterial activity and applications in antibacterial textiles.