Chitosan/zeolite composite film for dressing application

• Grant number: 12/06435-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2012
• End date: May 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Biomedical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Classius Ferreira da Silva
• Grantee: Henrique Selli Debone
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas (ICAQF). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Diadema. Diadema , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Polymeric films are used as dressings for burns and healing wounds. Antibiotic properties of these films can be induced and/or potentiated by the incorporation of zeolites containing silver. In this work will be produced chitosan composite films incorporating zeolites subjected to ion exchange with silver. The films will be prepared by dispersing the suspension of chitosan and zeolite on plane support and drying. The variables studied in the preparation of the films are: the concentration of zeolite and the type of zeolite. The films will be evaluated according to the thickness, water permeability, permeability to water vapor, microorganisms permeability, differential scanning calorimetry, infrared spectroscopy, and inhibition to bacterial growth. The characterization results will serve as a criterion for choosing the films that will be used in future tests of cytotoxicity.(AU)