Preparation of chitosan–silica/PCL composite membrane as wound dressing with enhanced cell attachment

In the present study, the asymmetrical polycaprolactone membranes were synthesized using phase inversion method and modified by addition of Pluronic (F‐127) and sodium hydroxide treatment to improve the cell attachment. The chemical structure, physical properties and mechanical behavior of the membranes as well as cell attachment and proliferation on them were characterized and compared to determine the appropriate membrane used in wound dressing fabrication. Then, a composite membrane as wound dressing capable of drug controlled‐release was prepared composed of two merged layers: an asymmetrical poly(ε‐caprolactone) layer coated with a drug‐loaded chitosan – silica matrix. Drug release behavior and biocompatibility of the final system were evaluated. The results showed that the polycaprolactone modified membrane provides appropriate properties to expand fibroblast cell adhesion and proliferation. This in‐vitro study also showed that the controlled‐release composite wound dressing was developed with approximately 70% cumulative release rate, which provided a porous substrate to support skin cells. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.