Chitosan (200 kDa) dissolution in an aqueous solution of L-aspartic acid, physicochemical properties and features of the resulting chitosan salt were studied by conductometry, potentiometry, viscometry, turbidimetry, IR and NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray diffractometry. Chitosan aspartate is a water-soluble hydrated polymorph exhibiting properties of a cationic polyelectrolyte with an effective macromolecular coil radius 60-75 nm. The specific conductivity, dielectric constant, viscosity and pH of the chitosan - L-aspartic acid - water system change over time after preparation due to counterion-polycation association to form ion pairs, multiplet structures, and their subsequent aggregation. As a result, nanoparticles (40-90 nm) are formed after ~24 h, microparticles (0.6-1.4 μm) are after ~48 h, and precipitation occurs after 72-96 h. The precipitated phase is a water-insoluble chitosan salt with a developed system of H-bonds and high crystallinity degree. Chitosan nanoparticles have high biocompatibility and the ability to accelerate the proliferative activity of epithelial cells. HYPOTHESIS: Ion pairs and multiplets are formed in the chitosan - L-aspartic acid - water system due to counterion association, which leads to phase segregation of the polymer substance at the level of nanoparticles and microparticles.
Keywords: Chitosan; Counterionic association; L-Aspartic acid; Nanoparticles; Polyelectrolyte.
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