The aim of this study was to prepare chitosan (CS) filaments incorporated with N-acetyl-D-Glucosamine (GlcNAc), using the wet spinning method, in order to combine the GlcNAc pharmacological properties with the CS biological properties for use as absorbable suture materials. The filaments were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), uniaxial tensile testing, in vitro biodegradation, and through in vitro drug release and cytotoxicity studies. It was observed that the addition of GlcNAc did not alter the morphology of the filaments. The CS and CS/GlcNAc filaments presented diameters 145 µm and 148 µm, respectively, and the surfaces were homogeneous. Although the mechanical resistance of the chitosan filaments decreased with the incorporation of the GlcNAc drug, this property was greater than the mean values indicated in the U.S. Pharmacopeia (1.7 N) for suture number 6-0 (filament diameter of 100–149 μm). The biodegradation of the CS filaments was accelerated by the addition of GlcNAc. After 35 days, the CS/GlcNAc filaments degradability was at its total, and for the CS filaments it was acquired in 49 days. The in vitro kinetic of the release process was of the zero-order and Hopfenberg models, controlled by both diffusion and erosion process. The in vitro cytotoxicity data of the CS and CS/GlcNAc filaments toward L929 cells showed that these filaments are nontoxic to these cells. Thus, the GlcNAc-loaded CS filaments might be promising as absorbable suture materials. In addition, this medical device may be able to enhance healing processes, relieve pain, and minimize infection at the surgery site due the prolonged release of GlcNAc.

The aim of this work was to perform an analysis of the influence of Sodium Fluoride (NaF) on chitosan particles size and morphology produced via ionotropic gelation with higher rotational stirring speed. Samples were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta Potential (ζ), Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). Chitosan/TPP particles diameter obtained was in the order of 3.8 µm. When NaF was added in different concentration (0.05%, 0.2% and 2%), the particle size diameter values, Zeta Potential and Poly Dispersive Index measures consequently decreased. Even so, no further modification in morphology was found. An exception was made for the samples with higher NaF concentration. After 21 days, occurred an increase in the particle size diameter. In the future, the proposed methodology could provide a dentistry application, especially on delivering particles of NaF.

Over the past decades, chitosan has been extensively investigated and used as a biomaterial due to a set of properties, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability and bioactivity. In the present work to produce the chitosan fibers was used the wet spinning technique and Two parameters, solvent and polymers concentration, were chosen as variables. For polymer concentration two concentrations were applied: 2%, 2.5%; and for solvents, three different acids were used: acetic, malic and lactic. Characterizations were carried out, using FTIR, Swelling Degree measurements, SEM and mechanical tests in terms of Traction. From the dimensional analysis of the fiber, different diameters where detected possibly due to steric effects cause by the presence of the acid. Other properties were also affected, revealing that as denser fibers are tend they have higher mechanical properties, and lesser tendency to swell. The fibers showed good potential for application as sutures.

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has been prominent in orthopedic implants; however, it is inert, preventing interaction between the implant and adjacent bone tissues. One way to overcome this characteristic is physical modification its on surface by particle leaching promoting greater osseointegration. The objective of this research was to develop and characterize the PEEK using a surface modification technique via particle leaching. For of the samples, a layer deposition of NaCl was used on PEEK. This was subjected to the pressure of 850 kg/cm2 by 390ºC for 20 minutes. After cooling, were subjected to leaching process particles. The results indicated a porous surface exhibiting uniform and homogeneous morphology with defined pores interconected, to in the range of 140-373 µm, with an average diameter of 273 µm. These evidenced the considerable NaCl removal after the leaching process, with cavities from ideal sizes which promotes adequate cellular accommodation and distinct roughness, giving an overall possibility of being able to obtain a material more able to receive the cells while also possibly presenting cell viability. Although the compressive strength presented low values, it can still be suitable for applications in areas with a reduced modulus of elasticity.