CHITOSAN SUPERFINE FIBER SYSTEMS
The present chitosan-based superfine fiber invention relates to compositions, formulations, and processes that result in numerous significant advantages for the production and use of superfine fiber bioactive matrices in biomedical applications. The present invention relates to superfine, chitosan-based fibers, wherein the chitosan-based fibers have a percentage chitosan content of at least about 20% w/w, and highly conformable and compliant matrices comprising such fibers, processes for their production, and related formulations. The superfine chitosan-based fibers of the invention preferably include microfibers with diameter less than or equal to about 10 microns and micron and submicron fibers that are about 2 microns and less.
1 . A process for making bioactive centrifugally spun superfine chitosan-based fibers that include at least 20% (w/w) chitosan and a chitosan salt comprising:
preparing a formulation solution comprising chitosan;
including a salt in the formulation solution;
introducing the formulation solution to a centrifugal spinner; and
producing fibers with a diameter less than about 10 microns.
2 . The process of claim 1 , further comprising:
adding a rheological modifier in an amount between about 0 and 10% (w/w);
mixing the rheological modification agent separately and water; and
allowing the rheological modification agent to sit for up to three days prior to use.
3 . The process of claim 1 , further comprising:
spinning the superfine chitosan-based fibers from the formulation solution; and
heat treating the fibers at about 80° C. to 160° C. for a period of time between about 10 minutes to 48 hours.
4 . The process of claim 3 , further comprising:
drying superfine chitosan-based fibers directly from the spun formulation solution.