A Novel Synthesis of Chitosan Nanoparticles in Reverse Emulsion

Abstract

Physical hydrogels of chitosan in the colloidal domain were obtained in the absence of both cross-linker and toxic organic solvent. The approach was based on a reverse emulsion of a chitosan solution in a Miglyol/Span 80 mixture, generally regarded as safe. Temperature and surfactant concentration were optimized, and the impact of the degree of acetylation (DA) and the molar mass of chitosan was investigated. When chitosan had a DA above 30%, only macroscopic gels were obtained, because of the predominance of attractive Van der Waals forces. The lower the molar mass of chitosan, the better the control over particle size and size distribution, probably as a result of either a reduction in the viscosity of the internal aqueous phase or an increase in the disentanglement of the polymer chain during the process. After extraction and redispersion of the colloid in an ammonium acetate buffer, the composition of the particles was around 80% of pure chitosan corresponding to a recovery of 60% of the original input. These new and safe colloids offer wide perspectives of development in further applications.

Preparation and application of chitosan nanoparticles and nanofibers

“…More water should be added if nanoparticles of a larger size are to be prepared. Brunel et al (2008) used a reverse micellar method to prepare chitosan nanoparticles. The lower the molar mass of chitosan, the better the control over particle size and size distribution, probably as a result of either a reduction in the viscosity of the internal aqueous phase or an increase in the disentanglement of the polymer chains during the process.…”

Polyelectrolyte Stabilized Drug Nanoparticles via Flash Nanoprecipitation: A Model Study With β-Carotene

“…42,43 Chitosan is a cationic polyelectrolyte, a b-(1-4)-linked copolymer of 2-amino-2-deoxy-b-D-glucan (GlcN) and 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-b-D-glucan (GlcNAc), obtained by a heterogeneous deacetylation of chitin which is a naturally abundant polysaccharide and a major exoskeleton component of crustaceans and insects. 44,45 Like other polycations, chitosan does have potential cytotoxicity. 46 However, chitosan exhibits biocompatibility, low toxicity, and low immunogenicity following intravenous and oral administration to animal models.…”

“…46 However, chitosan exhibits biocompatibility, low toxicity, and low immunogenicity following intravenous and oral administration to animal models. 45 It is readily biodegraded by several human enzymes, such as lysozyme. It is inexpensive and approved as a safe dietary supplement.…”

A Novel Solid-acid Catalyst Using Sulfonated Crosslinked Chitosan Resin

“…Compared with that of SCCRs, the BET specific surface area of CHS is smaller, since the reverse emulsion method employed to prepared CCRs is helpful to increase the specific surface area of the chitosan resin. 16,17,25,26 The sulfonation of chitosan can be executed homogeneously and heterogeneously. In the homogeneous method, chitosan was firstly dissolved in organic solvents before adding the sulfonation agents, e.g.…”