Synthesis and characterization of pH-sensitive hydrogels based on chitosan andD,L-lactic acid

Novel pH-sensitive physically crosslinked hydrogels were synthesized by grafting D,L-lactic acid (LA) onto the amino groups in chitosan (CS) without a catalyst. The structures of these graft copolymers were analyzed by FTIR and X-ray measurements. Degree of substitution, side-chain length, and yield of copolymers were evaluated from 1H-NMR, salicylaldehyde, and elemental analysis. The crystallinity of chitosan gradually decreased after grafting, since the side chains substitute the NH2 groups of chitosan randomly along the chain and destroy the regularity of packing between chitosan chains. Water uptake of the hydrogels was investigated as a function of side-chain length and degree of substitution. The influence of pH and salt concentration on the swelling behavior of the hydrogels was determined and interpreted.