Binding chitosan cross-linked with dimethylol dihydroxyethylene urea onto nylon 66 fibres for burn scar management

Abstract

Chitosan is an excellent biopolymer having antimicrobial activities against various bacteria and fungi. The research aims to improve the healing characteristics and to increase the effectiveness and functions of compression fabrics used in burn scar treatments by providing infection protection with chitosan barriers. Chitosan is cross-linked with dimethylol dihydroxyethylene urea then binds onto nylon 66 fabric to progress pressure garments with permanent antimicrobial activity. The obtained nylon 66 fabric in powernet structure is analyzed via total reflection infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Finally, antimicrobial and washing tests are performed. The results show that chitosan cross-linked with dimethylol dihydroxyethylene urea onto nylon 66 fibre is feasible and the fibres bind with chitosan are shown to be antimicrobial. The maximum binding level is 0.56 wt % and the antimicrobial effectiveness of the fabric remains at around 90 % after 5 washes and 50 % after 30 washes, which will provide a long period of protection. © 2016, Chemical Publishing Co. All rights reserved.