Chemo-Hydrothermal Method Increases Biocompatibility and More in Chitosan
- Technology Benefits
- Improved water solubility and dispersibility Increased biocompatibility
- Technology Application
- Antimicrobials Drug delivery Tissue engineering Bioimaging Biosensing Catalysis
- Detailed Technology Description
- This chemo-hydrothermal method is a one-step, one-pot synthesis. When the chitosan and a chemical cross-linker, such as tartaric acid, are cooked together under high pressure, its chemical properties remain unaltered. The chitosan-and-tartaric-acid composites form soluble nanoparticles that are also capable of solubilizing other insoluble materials, such as metal particles and metal oxide particles. When copper is added to this mixture, uniform-sized nanocomposites are formed and the pH level is raised to 7, making the composition neutral.
- *Abstract
-
UCF researchers have invented a novel method and composition in creating a water-soluble chitosan polymer and a chitosan-based composite particle. Through this process, the chitosan composition becomes fluorescent, completely water-soluble, and remains stable at a neutral pH. This method and composition provides a potential feed additive for factory farm animals, resulting in a reduced need for prophylactic antimicrobials and a reduced bacterial load, thus effectively guarding against bacteria such as E.coli and Enterococci. The fluorescence developed through this synthesis may prove to be useful in bioimaging applications. The composition can also serve as a catalyst for the electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide.
- *Principal Investigator
-
Name: Srijita Basumallick
Department:
Name: Swadeshmukul Santra, Ph.D.
Department:
- Country/Region
- USA
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