PREPARATION OF CHITOSAN- SULFATHIAZOLE FILMS WITH POTENTIAL BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS
A series of novel chitosan-zeolite-sulfathiazole nanocomposite (CSFZ) films were prepared by using solvent casting method for wound healing application. The physicochemical properties namely thickness, folding endurance, water absorption capacity, and water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) of the films were studied. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to ascertain the interaction between negatively charged zeolite and positively charged chitosan. The surface morphology of the prepared composite films was also studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Due to strong hydrophilic nature of zeolite, it great lyenhances the water absorption capacities of the prepared nanocomposite films. In addition, the presence of zeolite in the said films also increases the mechanical strength. The above analysis suggested that the CSFZ films could be used as potential candidates for wound healing application.