1/7/2010
Rheometric study of chitosan/activated carbon composite hydrogels for medical applications using an experimental design
(808–820)Journal of Applied Polymer  Science 120 #2 (2011)
Venault et al, France, prepared chitosan/activated carbon hydrogels by the vapor-induced phase separation process.  A factorial fractional design study showed that three factors played a key role in the storage modulus of the gels, chitosan concentration > gel time of exposure to ammonia vapors > temperature of the reactor.  Increasing these parameters led to an increase in the physical crosslinking density within the matrices and resulted in a reinforcement of the mechanical properties of the hydrogels.  The maximum elastic modulus was obtained with the highest chitosan concentration [4% (w/v)], the highest temperature in the gelation chamber (50°C), and the longest time of exposure to ammonia vapors (24 h).  (RDC 1/11/2011)

10/29/2010
Bone-like apatite-coated chitosan scaffolds: Characterization and osteoblastic activity
(pages 1418–1426)Polymer Composites 31 #8 (2010)
Aday and Gümüşderelioğlu of Hacettepe University, Turkey prepared the bone scaffold from chitosan (2% w/v in acetic acid and deacetylation degree: DD > 85%) by freeze-drying method, and freshly lyophilized scaffolds were stabilized with ethanol solutions. Bone-like apatite formation on chitosan scaffolds was achieved by immersing the scaffolds into a novel concentrated simulated body fluid (10× SBF-like solution) for different periods. i.e., 6 and 24 h.  The mitochondrial activity test showed that apatite-coated scaffolds stimulated cell proliferation compared with uncoated scaffolds.  10× SBF-like solution-treated chitosan scaffolds may be evaluated for bone tissue engineering.  (RDC 12/15/2010)

A novel wound dressing composed of nonwoven fabric coated with chitosan and herbal extract membrane for wound healing
(pages 1037–1046)Polymer Composites 31 #6 (2010)
Liu and Huang developed a dressing consisting of an easily stripped bilayer composite that consists of an upper layer of soybean protein nonwoven fabric coated with a lower layer, genipin-crosslinked chitosan and Bletilla striata herbal extract.  The chitosan and B. striata herbal extract not only were not toxic but also promoted the viability and growth of L929 fibroblasts. Additionally, the film more effectively supported cell attachment and growth.   (RDC 12/16/2010)