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Improvement of functionality after chitosan-modified zein biocomposites
Hao Yu1,2, Wei Li3, Xing Liu1,2
1a UMR 7365 CNRS - Université de Lorraine, Ingénierie Moléculaire et Physiopathologie Articulaire (IMoPA) , Biopôle , Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy , France.
Journal of Biomaterials Science. Polymer Edition
|November 24, 2016
Summary
Chitosan-modified zein composite films were successfully created, showing improved thermal stability and mechanical properties. These biomaterials exhibit low cytotoxicity, promoting cell growth and suggesting potential biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
Background:
- Zein, a corn protein, and chitosan, a polysaccharide, are biocompatible polymers.
- Developing novel composite films with enhanced properties is crucial for biomaterial applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and characterize chitosan-modified zein composite films.
- To investigate the effects of varying chitosan content on film properties and cytocompatibility.
Main Methods:
- Composite films prepared via blending, solution casting, and evaporation.
- Characterization using FTIR, DSC, SEM, tensile testing, water absorption, and contact angle measurements.
- Cytotoxicity and cytocompatibility assessed via MTT assay and in vitro cell culture.
Main Results:
- Successful fabrication of zein/chitosan composite films confirmed by hydrogen bond formation.
- Increased thermal stability, water absorption, hydrophilicity, tensile strength, and flexibility with higher chitosan content (0-50%).
- Films demonstrated non- to low-cytotoxicity, with chitosan enhancing cell adhesion, growth, and proliferation.
Conclusions:
- Chitosan modification significantly enhances the physical properties of zein films.
- The developed composite films possess favorable biocompatibility and cytocompatibility.
- Chitosan-modified zein films show promising potential for applications in the field of biomaterials.
