Molecular and Structural Design of Low-Molecular-Weight Chitosan-Based Electrospun PVA Nanofibers for the Fabrication of Antibacterial Wound-Contact Materials

PhD Candidate: Liqiong Li

Date: Friday, 6 November 2026
Time: 3.00 PM
Venue: Sala d'Actes Carles Miravitlles and ONLINE (register here to attend online)

Abstract

This thesis investigates the molecular selection and structural design of low-molecular-weight chitosan (LMWCS)-containing electrospun poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofibers for antibacterial wound-contact applications.

First, chitosan samples with different molecular characteristics were evaluated to understand their antimicrobial performance and identify suitable candidates. CS7 was selected as the lead candidate, with CS1 as a lower-molecular-weight reference. 

Next, PVA/LMWCS nanofibers were fabricated to examine how chitosan molecular weight and loading influence fiber morphology, apparent release, antibacterial activity, and wound-healing-related cellular responses.

Finally, glycerol was investigated as a formulation strategy to improve aqueous stability and moderate apparent CS7 release while retaining direct-contact antibacterial activity.

Overall, the work highlights the combined importance of chitosan molecular properties, matrix interactions, and formulation design for nanofiber performance.

Supervisors

• Pablo Guardia, Nanoparticles & Nanocomposites Group, ICMAB-CSIC, Spain
• Rafael Contreras-Cáceres, CIAMIBITAL Group, Universidad de Almería (UAL), Spain

PhD committee

• President: Josefa Clemente Jiménez, Universidad de Almería, Spain
• Secretary: Fernando Novio Vázquez, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
• Vocal: Juan Pellico Sáez, Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB), Spain

University: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB)

PhD Programme: Materials Science