Development and characterization of hydrogels based on natural polysaccharides : policaju and chitosan

• Main Author: Soares, Paulo A. G.
• Publication Date: 2014
• Other Authors: Bourbon, A. I., Vicente, A. A., Andrade, Cesar A. S., Barros Junior, Wilson, Correia, Maria T. S., Pessoa Júnior, Adalberto, Cunha, Maria G. Carneiro da
• Format: Article
• Language: eng
• Source: Repositórios Científicos de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (RCAAP)
• Download full: https://hdl.handle.net/1822/31802
• topic: Chitosan; Hydrogel characterization; Policaju; Rheology; Science & Technology

The development of hydrogels based on natural polysaccharides was investigated by preparing mixtures of policaju/chitosan at weight ratios of 1:4 and 2:3. Utilizing dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques for these mixtures, an increase on the hydrodynamic particle radius was observed varying their pH from 3.0 to 12.0. Furthermore, a reduction of ζ-potential was also observed for the same pH interval. Following rounds of drying/hydration cycles at a specific pH value, hydrogel matrices were formed. The pore size distribution of these formed hydrogels was examined using scanning electron microscopy. Further FT-IR analyses confirmed a physical interaction between the polysaccharides policaju and chitosan. Swelling experiments revealed water uptake values, after 24h of immersion in water, close to 270% for 1:4, and 320% for 2:3 hydrogels. Finally, rheological measurements were then conducted in order to confirm hydrogel viscoelastic features. These results indicate a promising road to biomaterials fabrication and biomedical applications. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.