Chitosan as scaffold materials: Effects of molecular weight and degree of deacetylation

In this study, we investigated in vitro the role of the degree of deacetylation and molecular weight on some biological properties of chitosan films. The influence of different degree of deacetylation and molecular weight of chitosan on the hydrophilicity, degradation, mechanical properties and biocompatibility were evaluated. The results showed that the degree of deacetylation affected the hydrophilicity and biocompatibility of the chitosan films. The molecular weight, on the other hand. affected the rate of degradation and the mechanical properties. Chitosan with higher degree of deacetylation and molecular weight was more suitable for tissue engineering applications. Alginate could be added into chitosan to modify the rigidity and hydrophilicity of chitosan. Higher hydrophilicity, biocompatibility, and elongation were found after modification.