Synthesis and hydroxyl radicals scavenging activity of quaternized carboxymethyl chitosan

In order to determine the effect of the forms of the amido groups of chitosan on antioxidant activity, quaternized carboxymethyl chitosan (QCMC) derivatives were prepared with a degree of quaternization ranging from 34.3% to 59.5%. The antioxidant activity of QCMCs against hydroxyl radicals was assessed. The results indicated that QCMCs have better hydroxyl radicals scavenging activity than that of carboxymethyl chitosan, as a result of the positive charge of the quaternized chitosan. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.