Preparation and Evaluation of the polyelectrolyte complex of Chitosan/Carrageenan Cross-Linked with Glutaraldehyde

Abstract

This research work deals with the preparation hydrogel based on Chitosan (CS) and Carrageenan (CG) have been studied. Polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) hydrogels were prepared using Chitosan and Carrageenan with glutaraldehyde as the crosslinking agent. The ratio of glutaraldehyde as crosslinking agents was investigated. Upon cross-linking with glutaraldehyde was varied as 0, 20,50 and 80% (w/w) of the total quantity of chitosan and carrageenan. Prepared hydrogels were characterized for swelling ability in (pH = 1.2 acidic, 8.2 basic, 7.4 neutral), FTIR, mechanical and thermal properties. Results showed that swelling or water absorbency decreased with increased concentration of glutaraldehyde. Prepared hydrogels maintained high swelling in acidic media as compared to neutral and basic. FTIR spectroscopy indicated formation of a Schiff base C=N bond due to reaction between NH₂ of chitosan and the aldehyde group of glutaraldehyde. The mechanical properties assay findings prove that physically crosslinked chitosan/carrageenan are more biocompatible and enhance more the adhesion with addition chemical crosslinked by glutaraldehyde. The addition of glutaraldehyde improves strengthens of the chitosan/carrageenan and its thermal properties; the resulting was found to be more efficient for thermal properties than their non-crosslinking blend.