Application of chitosan in electrophoretic deposition

Electrophoretic deposition is getting more attention in recent years. It is cost-effective and can be applied in many ways to produce a variety of composites. In the following, we present an article highlighting the influence of initial concentrations and process parameters on the deposition of chitosan-hydroxyapatite structures. Furthermore, the bonds and interactions in the deposited structures were also investigated.

ELECTROPHORETIC DEPOSITION OF CHITOSAN-HYDROXYAPATITE STRUCTURES FOR THE REGENERATION OF TUBULAR TISSUES AND ORGANS

Understanding Electrodeposition of Chitosan-Hydroxyapatite Structures for Regeneration of Tubular-Shaped Tissues and Organs. Katarzyna Nawrotek and Jacek Grams. Materials 2021, 14, 1288. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14051288

Electrophoretic deposition involves two processes. Electrophoresis, the migration of the charged particles of a solution to an oppositely charged electrode, and the deposition process itself. There, the charged particles are released at the electrode in the form of monoliths and films. By adjusting the process parameters and solution composition, the microstructural homogeneity and thickness of the generated structures can be controlled.
These parameters play an important role especially in tissue engineering. In this field, electrophoretic deposition can be used to produce multifunctional coatings and bioactive, three-dimensional scaffold structures. Frequently used starting materials are natural polymers and macromolecules including chitosan.
In the presented article, tubular structures of chitosan, hydroxyapatite and aqueous lactic acid were generated by electrophoretic deposition. These were subsequently studied via scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Time-of-Flight secondary ion mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

• higher chitosan concentrations or molecular weights generated larger masses and more compact deposits
• by increasing the lactic acid concentration, lower masses and higher chitosan content were observed
• A higher hydroxyapatite concentration increased the mass and porosity of the deposits
• Increasing the mass of the deposit by raising the voltage and duration of the experiment

Conclusion: The results in the presented study showed that the adjustment of the composition of the initial solution and process parameters had a direct influence on the composition as well as structure of the deposited structures. In addition, the molecular weight of the chitosan used influenced the mass and porosity of the deposits. Electrophoretic deposition of chitosan and hydroxyapatite could provide an alternative to previously used methods in the regeneration and replacement of tubular tissues and organs: It can be performed rapidly and at room temperature, and enrichment with biologically active substances is easily achieved.
Source: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/14/5/1288