Synthesis and characterization of N-succinyl-chitosan and its self-assembly of nanospheres

A simple and novel method was developed to synthesize successfully the N-succinyl-chitosan (NSCS). The NSCS was characterized by FTIR, H-1 NMR, element analysis and XRD. NSCS can be self-assembly of well-dispersed and stable nanospheres in distilled water. The morphology of the nanosphere was investigated by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and shows 50-100 nm in diameter. The steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy indicates that the hydrophobic domain has been formed within these NSCS nanospheres. The assembly mechanisms are believed to be the intermolecular H-bonding of NSCS and hydrophobic interaction among the hydrophobic moieties in NSCS macromolecules. The in vitro cell culture indicates that NSCS has non-toxicity and cell-compatibility. Our results demonstrate that NSCS has great potential in the drug controlled release delivery. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.