Chitosan as a matrix for grafting methyl methacrylate: synthesis, characterization and evaluation of grafts for biomedical applications

摘要

This study intends to investigate the potentials of chitosan-g-PMMA [poly(methyl methacrylate)] graft copolymers in corneal tissue engineering. The polymerization reaction between chitosan and methyl methacrylate (MMA) was standardized by varying temperature, pH, initiator and monomer concentrations. 113 % grafting yield was obtained at 60 A degrees C, pH 6, 2.1 x 10(-3) mol/L of sodium metabisulfite and 1.48 x 10(-3) mol/L of potassium persulphate and 1.99 x 10(-4) mol/L of monomer concentration. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the grafting of PMMA onto chitosan. The grafts possessed better thermal stability compared to chitosan films. The rough-surfaced (as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy) grafts were able to degrade under in vitro conditions in presence of lysozyme. The grafts exhibited 88 % optical clarity and also supported the proliferation of human corneal epithelial cell line. The above results indicate the potentials of chitosan-g-PMMA and its possible use in corneal tissue engineering applications.