Abstract
Molecular interactions between collagen and chitosan (CC) have the potential to produce biocomposites with novel properties.
We have characterised the molecular interactions in CC complexes by viscometry, wide angle X-ray scattering and Fourier
transform infrared spectroscopy. It was found that CC are miscible at the molecular level and exhibit interactions between the
components; X-ray diffraction of CC blends indicate that the collagen helix structure is lost in CC films with increasing chitosan
content. Non-linear viscometic behaviour with decreasing chitosan content is interpreted as evidence of a third structural phase
formed as a complex of CC. The blending of collagen with chitosan gives the possibility of producing new bespoke materials for
potential biomedical applications.
We have characterised the molecular interactions in CC complexes by viscometry, wide angle X-ray scattering and Fourier
transform infrared spectroscopy. It was found that CC are miscible at the molecular level and exhibit interactions between the
components; X-ray diffraction of CC blends indicate that the collagen helix structure is lost in CC films with increasing chitosan
content. Non-linear viscometic behaviour with decreasing chitosan content is interpreted as evidence of a third structural phase
formed as a complex of CC. The blending of collagen with chitosan gives the possibility of producing new bespoke materials for
potential biomedical applications.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 795-801 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Biomaterials |
Volume | 25 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Feb 2004 |