Synthesis and characterization of chitin-PANI composite for possible

wound healing application

Gloricel Anne V. Martin, Jolleen Natalie I. Balitaan, and Karen S. Santiago

Department of Chemistry, College of Science, University of Santo Tomas, Espana Blvd., Manila 1015
E-mail: ririmartin2298@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Introduction & Objectives: Wound dressing materials were used in protecting wounds from
certain microorganism that can delay their healing process. Over the years, natural and
synthetic wound dressing materials were developed in order to hasten the wound healing
process. However, the problem with synthetic dressings is the cost, antimicrobial resistance,
and the need of frequent changing which pose a demand for wound dressing innovation. In
order to address the aforementioned concerns, this study aims to fabricate a chitin-PANI
composite as a new potential wound dressing material in enhancing the wound healing
process.
Methods: The preparation of the composite involved the extraction of β-chitin from squid
pens via three step-process of decolorization, demineralization, and deproteinization, which
obtained a yield of 31.89±3.87%. Next is the in situ chemical oxidative polymerization of
aniline in the presence of β-chitin. Molecular characterizations included FTIR, SEM, DSC, and
TGA. Determination of antimicrobial activity was done via disk diffusion assay.
Results: Characteristic peaks from FTIR spectrum revealed a peak shifting of chitin-PANI
composites due to the interlayer bonding of polyaniline with chitin which suggests a successful
grafting of PANI to chitin. SEM images showed a smooth and well-defined structure of β-chitin
and a globular structure of PANI. The composite exhibited a granular structure after grafting.
The thermal decomposition of polyaniline and chitin-PANI composite were observed at 250°C
to 400°C via DSC and TGA. Disk diffusion assay demonstrated a zone of inhibition against S.
aureus for PANI and chitin-PANI composite.
Conclusions: Results suggest that the synthesized chitin-PANI composite is a potential
candidate for wound healing application.

Keywords: Wound healing, Polyaniline, Chitin, Wound dressing