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Structure-function relationships in chitosan hydrogel spheres as a platform for silver nanoparticle stabilization and
Sofia Huggias1, Mónica Laura Casella1, Soledad Belluzo2
1Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ciencias Aplicadas "Dr. Jorge J. Ronco" - CINDECA (UNLP - CONICET CCT La Plata, CIC), Calle 47 N° 257, B1900AJK, La Plata, Argentina.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|June 30, 2026
Summary
This study developed chitosan hydrogel spheres with embedded silver nanoparticles using a simple ionic gelation method. The functional groups of chitosan are key for stabilizing silver nanoparticles, influencing material properties and catalytic activity.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Chitosan (CH) is a versatile polysaccharide known for its metal-chelating properties.
- Developing functional macromolecular networks with tunable properties is crucial for advanced materials.
- Chitosan's amino and hydroxyl groups offer potential for metal ion coordination and stabilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize chitosan hydrogel spheres with in situ formed silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using ionic gelation.
- To investigate the role of chitosan's functional groups in AgNP formation, distribution, and stabilization.
- To evaluate the impact of nanoparticle localization and sphere morphology on catalytic performance.
Main Methods:
- Ionic gelation of chitosan without chemical crosslinkers.
- Two silver incorporation strategies: coprecipitation and precipitation.
- Characterization using FTIR, UV-vis, TEM, XRD, and atomic absorption spectroscopy.
- Assessment of catalytic activity using nitroaromatic reduction.
Main Results:
- Ultrasmall (1-3 nm) and uniformly dispersed AgNPs were successfully formed within the chitosan matrix.
- Chitosan's -NH2 and -OH groups were confirmed to be vital for AgNP coordination and stabilization.
- The semicrystalline structure of chitosan was maintained after silver incorporation.
- Hybrid spheres showed tunable morphology (2-3 mm) and long-term stability.
- Surface-confined AgNPs exhibited enhanced catalytic activity in nitroaromatic reduction.
Conclusions:
- Chitosan's intrinsic chemistry and structure effectively govern metal-polymer interactions and AgNP stabilization.
- The rational design of chitosan-based materials can be achieved by controlling macromolecular architecture and nanoparticle integration.
- These findings offer insights into creating functional polysaccharide-based materials for environmental and technological applications.
