Ionotropic Gelation of Chitosan Flat Structures and Potential Applications

Abstract

The capability of some polymers, such as chitosan, to form low cost gels under mild conditions is of great application interest. Ionotropic gelation of chitosan has been used predominantly for the preparation of gel beads for biomedical application. Only in the last few years has the use of this method been extended to the fabrication of chitosan-based flat structures. Herein, after an initial analysis of the major applications of chitosan flat membranes and films and their usual methods of synthesis, the process of ionotropic gelation of chitosan and some recently proposed novel procedures for the synthesis of flat structures are presented.

Chitosan, chitosan nanoparticles and modified chitosan biomaterials, a potential tool to combat salinity stress in plants

“…However, chitosan nanoparticles (CsNPs) used in the salt stress tolerance were prepared using ionotropic gelatin method (Oliveira et al, 2016). The use of ionotropic gelation method benefits Cs to encapsulate various molecules, produce nanoparticles in a wide range of sizes, ability to encapsulate drugs with medium to high efficiency, and to produce stable nanoparticles indicating the versatility of the technique for using it in biomedical field (Sacco et al, 2021). However, the importance of CsNPs synthesized using ionotropic gelation method in plants was not elucidated till date.…”

Gemcitabine cationic polymeric nanoparticles against ovarian cancer: formulation, characterization, and targeted drug delivery

“…To load GTB into bio-adhesive chitosan nanoparticles, the ionotropic gelation technique was implemented (Sacco et al., 2021 ). To obtain a blank polymeric nanoparticle, 0.7 mg/mL triphenylphosphine (TPP) solution has been added to 2.25 mg/mL of chitosan aqueous solution maintaining the temperature at 25 °C.…”

Biopolymer nanoparticles: a strategy to enhance stability, bioavailability, and biological effects of phenolic compounds as functional ingredients

“…Citrate and sulfate can also be used. 83,85 The final product consists of a polymer-rich phase (gel) surrounded by a polymer-poor phase (liquid), also known as a hydrogel, which can be used for many applications; nevertheless, to prevent its biological or chemical degradation, a further drying process may be required. 83 Ionic gelation is characterized by presenting easy preparation and low cost, which is attributed to the short time of the procedure and the absence of surfactants, organic solvents, and special equipment.…”