The thiolated chitosan: Synthesis, gelling and antibacterial capability

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Chitosan is a versatile biopolymer with potential applications in various fields.
• Modifying chitosan can enhance its functional properties for specific applications.
• Developing novel chitosan-based materials with improved performance is of significant interest.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel chitosan-1-(mercaptomethyl)-cyclopropane acetic acid (CS-MCA) copolymer.
• To investigate the rheological properties of the CS-MCA copolymer under varying pH conditions.
• To evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of the CS-MCA copolymer against E. coli.

Main Methods:

• Copolymer synthesis via amino linkage.
• Characterization using FTIR, 1H NMR, XRD, TGA, and SEM.
• Rheological property analysis (viscosity, moduli) at different pH levels.
• Antibacterial activity assessment (inhibition zone, growth curve).

Main Results:

• CS-MCA copolymer exhibited porous and reticulate surface morphologies.
• The copolymer displayed shear-thinning behavior, with enhanced moduli and elastic properties at pH 7.0.
• CS-MCA demonstrated improved antibacterial activity against E. coli compared to unmodified chitosan.
• Dithiothreitol addition reduced viscosity and modulus, with gelation parameters determined.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized CS-MCA copolymer possesses favorable rheological characteristics and enhanced antibacterial properties.
• The material's properties suggest potential applications in hydrocolloid gels for food and pharmaceutical industries.
• CS-MCA represents a promising modified chitosan derivative for advanced material development.