Layer-by-Layer Deposition of Chitosan/Hyaluronic Acid Polyelectrolyte Complex Coatings onto Polyester Films

The surface modification of polycaprolactone and polycaprolactone/polylactide mixed films was carried out by preliminary surface activation in NaOH. Subsequent layer-by-layer deposition of coatings based on polyelectrolyte complexes of the oppositely charged polysaccharides: chitosan and hyaluronic acid, was carried out. The effect of surface activation was studied using contact angle measurements, surface analysis and gravimetric data. The characterization of the polyelectrolyte complex coatings using gravimetric analysis, goniometric and micrometer measurements, scanning electron, optical and fluorescence microscopy, and FTIR-ATR spectroscopy confirmed the formation of a uniform coating with a thickness of about 30 μm, which is not prone to peeling from the substrate.