Abstract:
Development of chitosan as nanomaterial is proposed by modification of functional group on chitosan chain. Grafting phthalic anhydride and α-caboxylpropyl- ω-methoxy polyethylene glycol (mPEG-COOH) on chitosan exhibits spherical form via self-assembly process in aqueous system. The molecular weight of mPEG plays an important role to control the particle size. As compared to mPEG 2000, which gives a bimodal nanosphere (∼200, and ∼300 nm), mPEG 5000 initiates a monodispersed nanosphere with the smaller size (150 nm). In aqueous solution, the nanosphere surface is negatively charged resulting in a well dispersion in neutral to high pH but a significant precipitation in low pH. The studies on model drug (lidocaine, campthotecin, and proteins) incorporation with chitosan nanospheres exhibit efficiency of nanosphere as drug and/or vaccine carrier.
