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Published on: January 14, 2020
Towards a less biased dissolution of chitosan
Joel J Thevarajah1, Jerikho C Bulanadi2, Manfred Wagner3
1Western Sydney University, School of Science and Health, Australian Centre for Research on Separation Sciences (ACROSS), Parramatta, 2150, Australia; Western Sydney University, Molecular Medicine Research Group (MMRG), School of Science and Health, Parramatta, 2150, Australia; Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
Achieving true chitosan solutions is difficult due to degradation during dissolution. Degree of acetylation (DA) significantly impacts solubility and degradation, suggesting a compromise is needed for optimal results.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biomaterials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Chitosan dissolution is challenging, impacting its applications.
- Degree of acetylation (DA) is a key factor in chitosan solubility.
- Degradation during dissolution can affect solution properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors affecting true chitosan solutions.
- To compare different dissolution methods and solvents.
- To assess degradation during the dissolution process.
Main Methods:
- Visual observation
- Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC)
- Pressure mobilization (PM)
- Free-solution capillary electrophoresis (CE)
- Real-time solution-state NMR spectroscopy
Main Results:
- Aqueous HCl dissolved more chitosan than acetic acid (AcOH), but aggregates formed.
- NMR spectroscopy revealed significant chitosan deacetylation (~20%) in DCl at high temperatures.
- Accurate DA determination by NMR is best in the solid state.
Conclusions:
- A balance between solubilization and degradation is crucial for true chitosan solutions.
- Average DA influences dissolution completeness more than molar mass.
- Chitosan degradation necessitates careful method selection for accurate analysis.
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