Synthesis of N-acetylated glycol chitosans and their thermo-sensitive sol-gel transition properties

In this study, new polysaccharide-based thermo-sensitive polymers were synthesized and their thermo-sensitive sol-gel transition properties were evaluated. Glycol chitin structures were successfully introduced by N-acetylation reaction of glycol chitosan. The aqueous solutions of glycol chitins demonstrated unique thermo-sensitive sol-gel transition behaviors around 37 °C. Their sol-gel transition properties were observed at a relatively lower concentration range (3~16 wt%) compared to those of typical synthetic polymer based systems and efficiently modulated by varying molecular weight, DA, and concentration. Based on their thermo-sensitivity, low cyto-toxicity, and high gel stability, the glycol chitin polymers could be utilized for various biomedical applications, such as drug delivery, tissue engineering, and 3D cell culture.