Glutaraldehyde-crosslinked chitosan-graft-poly(N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide) films: Synthesis, characterization, and...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Engineering

Background:

• Chitosan (CS) is a biocompatible polymer with potential applications in metal ion chelation.
• Developing effective and safe materials for iron(III) chelation therapy is crucial.
• Grafting and crosslinking can enhance the properties of chitosan-based materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize chitosan-grafted poly(N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide)-glutaraldehyde (CS-g-PHEAA-GA) films.
• To evaluate the iron(III) binding capacity and hemocompatibility of these novel films.
• To assess the potential of these films for Fe³⁺ chelation therapies.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of CS-g-PHEAA-GA films with varying grafting and crosslinking degrees.
• Characterization using SEM, FTIR, and XRD.
• Evaluation of swelling kinetics, Fe³⁺ adsorption, and hemocompatibility (PT, PTT, INR).

Main Results:

• CS-g-PHEAA-GA films (G1-G9) were successfully synthesized and characterized.
• Film G5 showed optimal properties with 633% grafting yield and 270-300% swelling capacity.
• Films demonstrated good mechanical integrity, safe coagulation profiles, and hemocompatibility within clinical ranges.
• Fe³⁺ adsorption capacity reached up to 45.85 mg/g at 500 mg/L FeCl₃ and pH 1.2.
• G5 exhibited the most stable Fe³⁺ adsorption profile, outperforming other CS-based adsorbents.

Conclusions:

• CS-g-PHEAA-GA films possess significant Fe³⁺ binding capacity and excellent hemocompatibility.
• The developed films represent a promising advancement for iron chelation therapies.
• These materials offer a superior alternative to existing chitosan-based adsorbents for iron removal.