Eksergi: Chemical Engineering Journal
Vol 23 No 2 (2026)

Characterization of Polylactic Acid/Chitosan/Cellulose Nanofibers for Wound Dressing Applications

Belinda Laulista (Chemical Engineering Department, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jawa Timur, Surabaya, 60294, Indonesia)
Desy Miftachul (Chemical Engineering Department, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jawa Timur, Surabaya, 60294, Indonesia)
Lilik Suprianti (Chemical Engineering Department, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jawa Timur, Surabaya, 60294, Indonesia)
Tri Widjaja (Chemical Engineering Department, Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology, 60111, Indonesia)
Aisyah Alifatul Zahidah Rohmah (Chemical Engineering Department, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jawa Timur, Surabaya, 60294, Indonesia)
Citra Yulia Sari (Chemical Engineering Department, Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology, 60111, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
27 Apr 2026

Abstract

Effective wound care requires dressing materials that provide physical protection while actively encouraging tissue regeneration. This research investigates the development and characterization of biocomposite nanofiber membranes composed of polylactic acid (PLA), chitosan, and cellulose, synthesized via the electrospinning method at an optimized operating voltage of 20 kV. The study aimed to identify the optimal material ratio that balances mechanical durability with surface wettability. Comprehensive evaluations included Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), water contact angle (WCA) measurements, and mechanical testing. The results demonstrate that the integration of chitosan and cellulose significantly refined fiber morphology and wettability. The optimal variant with a composition of 90:5:5 wt.% (PLA:chitosan:cellulose) achieved a WCA of 98.64°, indicating that the hydrophobicity was maintained relative to pure PLA. M orphologically, the composite fibers were uniform and bead-less, with a mean diameter reduction of 36.2% (from 517.12 nm in pure PLA to 329.68 nm). FTIR spectra confirmed successful component incorporation through characteristic amide and hydroxyl bands. Mechanically, the composite membrane exhibited a superior synergy between strength and flexibility, achieving a yield strength of 0.06 MPa and a significant elongation at break of 80.36%. These findings suggest that the 90:5:5 formulation successfully bridges the gap between mechanical durability and the high surface area-to-volume ratio required for advanced, biodegradable wound care applications.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

eksergi

Publisher

Subject

Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Bioengineering Control & Systems Engineering Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering Materials Science & Nanotechnology

Description

Eksergi is an open-access, peer-reviewed scientific journal that focuses on research and innovation in the fields of energy and renewable energy. The journal aims to provide a platform for scientists, researchers, engineers, and practitioners to share knowledge and advancements that contribute to ...