Development and Strength Characterization of Honey Coated Alchite Fibers for Bio Medical Applications

Current research work aims at producing composite alchite fibers( core material made of alginate polymer + outer surface made of hydrolyzed chitosan) by wet spinning technique incorporating Pakistanis origin honey and then characterizing the strength of fibers in order to access their suitability to be used for the production of non-woven burn wound dressings. Nine control fibers were produced by varying the concentration of sodium alginate solution in the dope tank from 3.5 w/v % to 4.5 w/v % and that of hydrolysed chitosan solution from 1 w/v % to 2 w/v % in the coagulation bath. The developed fibers were then coated with small bee honey and 50% aloevera gel + 50% small bee honey by volume mixture to enhance antimicrobial and liquid absorption properties.The strength of uncoated fibers was found in the range 0f 40~50 cN.The strength of fibers showed slight decline after coating with small bee honey and 50% honey- aloevera mixture. Even after coating the fibers with honey and honey-aloevera mixture, the strength was found in the range of fourties which suggests its suitability to be used for the manufacturing of non woven dressings. The wound dressings made from these fibers would permit a trauma less replacement as they would keep the wound surface moist attributed to excellent gelling properties of the core material and would not leave debris upon removal attributed to high strength of fibers.