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Merck

Zwitterionic chitosan derivatives for pH-sensitive stealth coating.

Biomacromolecules (2010-08-11)
Peisheng Xu, Gaurav Bajaj, Tyler Shugg, William G Van Alstine, Yoon Yeo
ABSTRACT

Zwitterionic chitosan, a chitosan derivative with a unique pH-dependent charge profile, was employed to create a stealth coating on the cationic surface of drug carriers. Zwitterionic chitosans were synthesized by amidation of chitosan with succinic anhydride. The succinic anhydride-conjugated chitosan had an isoelectric point, which could be easily tuned from pH 4.9 to 7.1 and showed opposite charges below and above the isoelectric point. The succinic anhydride-conjugated chitosan was able to inhibit the protein adsorption to the cationic surface at physiological pH, compatible with blood components and well tolerated upon intraperitoneal injection. The succinic anhydride-conjugated chitosan has the potential to serve as a coating material to prevent protein adsorption to cationic surfaces, which can be removed in a pH-responsive manner.

MATERIALS
Product Number
Brand
Product Description

Sigma-Aldrich
Succinic anhydride, ≥99% (GC)
Sigma-Aldrich
Succinic anhydride, SAJ first grade, ≥99.0%