Chitosan-based supramolecular aerogel with “skeletal structure” constructed in natural deep eutectic solvents for medical dressings

Tuning Mechanical Characteristics and Permeability of Alginate Hydrogel by Polyvinyl Alcohol and Deep Eutectic Solvent Addition

“…The incorporation of deep eutectic solvents (DESs), comprising two or more components that form a eutectic mixture with distinctive properties, introduces a novel strategy to improve the performance of hydrogels. This enhancement expands their applicability and effectiveness across various domains [14,15]. The reduction in the melting point of DESs is commonly ascribed to the establishment of hydrogen bonding interactions among the constituent compounds.…”

“…Another study demonstrated that the addition of a choline chloride and mannose DES to PVA nanofibers enhanced their fast-dissolving properties in artificial saliva solutions, indicating potential for fast drug delivery in oral cavities [21]. Recently, Sun et al [15] constructed a chitosan-based supramolecular aerogel through hydrogen bonding between chitosan, a natural DES comprising glycerol and L-lactic acid, and PVA. This aerogel exhibited a well-defined skeleton-type 3D network structure with lower density and higher porosity, along with excellent water absorption capability [22].…”

“…This aerogel exhibited a well-defined skeleton-type 3D network structure with lower density and higher porosity, along with excellent water absorption capability [22]. Although DESs have primarily been utilized in hydrogel preparation for drug delivery [13,19], extraction purposes [22] or medical dressings [15], their role as solvents in biocatalytic processes has also gained increased attention in recent years [14].…”