Physical, chemical, and biological characterization of biodegradable chitosan dressing for biomedical applications: Could sodium bicarbonate act as a crosslinking agent?

Author(s)

Ernesto, Julia Vaz ; Gasparini, Isis de Macedo ; Corazza, Fulvio Gabriel ; Mathor, Monica Beatriz ; da Silva, Classius Ferreira ; Leite-Silva, Vania Rodrigues ; Andreo-Filho, Newton ; Lopes, Patricia Santos

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Materials Chemistry and Physics; v. 301, p. 15-pg., 2023-06-01.

Abstract

Chitosan, a biomaterial with properties that allows the elaboration of biocompatible and biodegradable systems, was employed to prepare dressings -2% (w/v) in acetic acid -followed by freezing and lyophilization. Some samples were kept chemically unchanged and used as control, while others were cross-linked with Epichloro-hydrin 0.01 mol L-1 for 24 h being washed, frozen and lyophilized. The neutralization procedure was performed with sodium bicarbonate, which ended up leading to a crosslinking by ionic interactions in the polymer network, and characteristics as promising as those of the chemically cross-linked with Epichlorohydrin. SEM showed that the crosslinking leads to a controlled formation of the polymeric network, conferring suitable steam permeation capacity 107 g mm.day � 1.m � 2.kPa � 1, simulated fluid permeation between 2000 and 2500 g m � 2.day-1 and porosity with interconnection which allows fluid absorption capacity above 900%. The crosslinking processes favored a better handling mechanical resistance confirmed by biodegradation assays. The dressing blocked micro-organisms permeation, forming an efficient barrier against contamination, is safe and biocompatible, allowing satisfactory cell adhesion and proliferation. These results showed that both dressings present statisti-cally and satisfactory equivalent characteristics to be used as a functional bio dressing suitable for the treatment of different pathologies. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/20440-0 - Isolation and use of mesenchymal cells in chitosan and epichlorohydrin nano-structured scaffolds to be used as dermo-epidermic equivalents or as biodressing
• Grantee: Julia Vaz Ernesto
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation