Pectin capped gold nanoparticles synthesis in situ for producing durable, cytocompatible, and superabsorbent hydrogel composites with chitosan.
Studies report the production of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and polysaccharides based composites. However, there are few reports about AuNPs synthesis in situ followed by the formation of hydrogel composites. Here, we show AuNPs synthesis in situ into the pectin solutions to yield cytocompatible pectin capped AuNPs/chitosan hydrogel composites. Visible spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering measurements confirm the AuNPs synthesis. The hydrodynamic radius of the pectin capped AuNPs ranges from approximately 510 to 721 nm, while the Zeta potential is around 43 mV. Scanning electron microscopy shows that the composites present compact structures. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterize the composites as well. Hydrogels (with or without AuNPs) containing the highest pectin content (at 4.12 pectin/chitosan weight ratio) have low stability (disintegrates approximately 60% after 14 days in phosphate buffer) Composites obtained at 3.75 pectin/chitosan weight ratio disintegrate between 25 and 30% after 14 days in phosphate buffer (physiological condition pH 7.4) The AuNPs reinforce the hydrogel structures, increasing the elastic modulus (from 3.5 to 7.6 Pa) and decreasing the water uptake from 4465 to 2976% 3.75 PT/CS weight ratio and 3.0 x 10 4 M Au(III) content provide a durable, cytocompatible, and superabsorbent hydrogel composite. These properties can support materials for drug delivery purposes.
International journal of biological macromolecules