Chitosan porous membranes: preparation, characterization and evaluation of its potential application for preventing pos-chirurgical adhesions

• Grant number: 12/22460-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2013
• End date: January 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Sérgio Paulo Campana Filho
• Grantee: Karen Saori Morioka
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química de São Carlos (IQSC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Chitosan membranes prepared by the dissolution of the polymer followed by freeze-drying will be cross-linked with genipine to impart to them chemical stability and adequate mechanical properties. The cross-linked membranes will be characterized in terms of chemical structure, degree of crosslinking, swelling rate, morphological features and mechanical properties. Also, the susceptibility of the membranes to biodegradation by lysozyme will tested. Infrared and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X-rays diffraction will used to characterize the membranes. Those membranes exhibiting adequate characteristics and properties will be employed to in vivo tests to evaluate its potential application for preventing pos-chirurgical adhesions, this step of the project being developed in collaboration with Prof. Jackson Brandão Lopes (Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade Federal da Bahia). (AU)