Influences of Process Variables on Size of Chitosan Microspheres

Chitosan microspheres, with a size range of 20–550 μm, were obtained by using an emulsification–coacervation method. The surface morphology and the structure of microspheres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The effects of process variables, including stirring rate, chitosan concentration, emulsifier concentration, and cross-linker (glutaraldehyde) concentration, on the diameter of chitosan microspheres were investigated. The results showed that spherical microspheres, without aggregation phenomena and with a very smooth and uniform surface, were obtained when emulsifier concentration, chitosan concentration, stirring rate, and glutaraldehyde concentration were kept at 0.010–0.025 mL/mL, 0.05–0.20 g/mL, 800–2400 rpm, and 0.5–1.5% (v/v) respectively. The chitosan microsphere crystallinity degree decreased after cross-linking. The microsphere size increased with decreasing of stirring rate, emulsifier, and cross-linker concentration; however, the microsphere size increased with increase of chitosan concentration. This indicated that different diameters of chitosan microspheres can be achieved by controlling process variables.