Preparation and characterization of catechol-functionalized chitosan thermosensitive hydrogels

Abstract Catechol functionalization of chitosan was modified by EDC coupling reaction and then catechol-functionalized chitosan thermosensitive hydrogels were prepared by catechol-functionalization of chitosan with β-glycerophosphate disodium as a thermosensitizer. The hydrogels were then characterized by FTIR, 1 H-NMR, SEM and rheology analysis. The results demonstrated that the thermosensitive hydrogels were prepared at 37°C within several minutes by mixing 2% catechol-functionalized chitosan with 30% β-glycerophosphate disodium at a ratio of 8:2, and these thermosensitive hydrogels with porous network structure were expected to be developed as biomedical materials with wide applications.