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Network-supported and adaptable binding efficacy for flexible and multi-functionalized chitosan/phenolic carbaldehyde
Shubhankar Ghorai1, Biswajit Jana1, Jhuma Ganguly1
1Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Howrah 711103, WB, India.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|September 21, 2023
Summary
This study engineered novel chitosan-based hydrogels (ChDA and ChTA) with tunable flexibility to investigate their binding interactions with small molecules and biomolecules. The hydrogels
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biomaterials Engineering
Background:
- Hydrogels are versatile materials with applications in various fields.
- Controlling hydrogel network structure is key to tailoring their properties and functions.
- Understanding molecular interactions within hydrogels is crucial for developing advanced applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize two distinct chitosan-based hydrogel networks (ChDA and ChTA).
- To investigate the binding efficacy of these hydrogels with small molecules (Boron trifluoride) and biomolecules (Bovine serum albumin).
- To explore the relationship between hydrogel network flexibility and binding properties using self-fluorescence.
Main Methods:
- Semisynthetic functionalization of chitosan with aldehydes (4-hydroxyisopthalaldehyde and 2-hydroxybenzene-1,3,5-tricarbaldehyde).
- Characterization of hydrogel networks using mechanical, swelling, photophysical, UV-Vis, and FTIR analyses.
- Binding studies utilizing self-fluorescence quenching and supported by theoretical DFT and docking simulations.
Main Results:
- ChDA hydrogels exhibited more flexible chains, while ChTA hydrogels had restricted movements.
- Distinct variations in fluorescence were observed upon interaction with Boron trifluoride, dependent on gel network structure.
- Fluorescence quenching by Bovine serum albumin allowed determination of binding and Stern-Volmer constants at different temperatures.
Conclusions:
- Hydrogel network control significantly influences binding interactions and physical properties.
- Self-fluorescence serves as an effective tool for studying molecular binding within hydrogels.
- The developed hydrogels show potential for applications requiring controlled molecular interactions.
