Enhancement of the controlled-release properties of chitosan membranes by crosslinking with suberoyl chloride

Molecules. 2013 Jun 19;18(6):7239-52. doi: 10.3390/molecules18067239.

Abstract

A novel crosslinking agent, suberoyl chloride, was used to crosslink N-phthaloyl acylated chitosan and improves the properties of chitosan membranes. Membranes with different crosslinking degrees were synthesized. The derivatives were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and ¹³C solid state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, which indicated that the crosslinking degrees ranged from 0 to 7.4%. The permeabilities of various plant nutrients, including macroelements (N, P, K), microelements (Zn²⁺ and Cu²⁺), and a plant growth regulator (naphthylacetic acid), were varied by moderate changes in crosslinking degree, indicating that the controlled-release properties can be regulated in this way. The film-forming ability of native chitosan was maintained, whilst mechanical properties, hydrophobicity and controlled permeability were improved. These dramatic improvements occurred with a small amount of added suberoyl chloride; excessive crosslinking led to membranes with unwanted poor permeability. Thus, both the mechanical properties and permeability of the crosslinked membrane can be optimized.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chitosan / chemistry*
  • Chlorides / chemistry*
  • Delayed-Action Preparations / chemistry*
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Membranes, Artificial*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Naphthaleneacetic Acids / chemistry
  • Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular
  • Permeability
  • Plant Growth Regulators / chemistry
  • Tensile Strength

Substances

  • Chlorides
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Naphthaleneacetic Acids
  • Plant Growth Regulators
  • 1-naphthaleneacetic acid
  • Chitosan