Structure, morphology and cell affinity of poly(l-lactide) films surface-functionalized with chitosan nanofibers via a solid-liquid phase separation technique

► A surface nano-structured poly(l-lactide) film with chitosan nanofibers was prepared. ► Grafted and anchored chitosan nanofibers were obtained by different treatment ways. ► Hydrophilicity was improved by immobilizing chitosan nanofibers on the film surface. ► Cell viability was enhanced on modified poly(l-lactide) film with chitosan nanofibers. ► Cells tended to attach and stretch along chitosan nanofibers on the film surface.