title: Development and characterization of hydrogels based on natural polysaccharides: policaju and chitosan.
abstract: The development of hydrogels based on natural polysaccharides was investigated by preparing mixtures of policaju/chitosan at weight ratios of 1:4 and 2:3. Utilizing dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques for these mixtures, an increase on the hydrodynamic particle radius was observed varying their pH from 3.0 to 12.0. Furthermore, a reduction of ζ-potential was also observed for the same pH interval. Following rounds of drying/hydration cycles at a specific pH value, hydrogel matrices were formed. The pore size distribution of these formed hydrogels was examined using scanning electron microscopy. Further FT-IR analyses confirmed a physical interaction between the polysaccharides policaju and chitosan. Swelling experiments revealed water uptake values, after 24h of immersion in water, close to 270% for 1:4, and 320% for 2:3 hydrogels. Finally, rheological measurements were then conducted in order to confirm hydrogel viscoelastic features. These results indicate a promising road to biomaterials fabrication and biomedical applications.
authors: Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n, Cidade Universitária, 50670-420 Recife, PE, Brazil; Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami-LIKA, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil.
authors: Paulo A G
authors: PA
authors: Soares
authors: Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho (UMINHO), Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
authors: Ana I
authors: AI
authors: Bourbon
authors: Institute for Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho (UMINHO), Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal.
authors: António A
authors: AA
authors: Vicente
authors: Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n, Cidade Universitária, 50670-420 Recife, PE, Brazil.
authors: Cesar A S
authors: CA
authors: Andrade
authors: Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n, Cidade Universitária, 50670-420 Recife, PE, Brazil.
authors: Wilson
authors: W
authors: Barros
authors: Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n, Cidade Universitária, 50670-420 Recife, PE, Brazil.
authors: Maria T S
authors: MT
authors: Correia
authors: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Av. Lineu Prestes, 580, Butantã, 05508-000 São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
authors: Adalberto
authors: A
authors: Pessoa
authors: Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n, Cidade Universitária, 50670-420 Recife, PE, Brazil; Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami-LIKA, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Av. Prof. Moraes Rego, s/n, Cidade Universitária, 50670-901 Recife, PE, Brazil. Electronic address: mgcc@ufpe.br.
authors: Maria G
authors: MG
authors: Carneiro-da-Cunha
mesh_terms: D031021:Anacardium / Q000737:chemistry; D048271:Chitosan / Q000737:chemistry*; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000737:chemistry*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008027:Light; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000737:chemistry; D012212:Rheology; D012542:Scattering, Radiation; D013696:Temperature; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D020100:Hydrogels; D011134:Polysaccharides; D014867:Water; D048271:Chitosan
keywords: Chitosan; Hydrogel characterization; Policaju; Rheology