Preparation of acetylated chitosan sponges (chitin sponges)

Abstract Acetylated chitosan sponges (chitin sponges) were prepared according to acetylation time (25, 50, 75, and 100 h). As the acetylation time increased, the degree of acetylation increased, and a 75‐h acetylation time produced the highest degree of acetylation (DA). The surface morphologies of samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Sponge samples were shown by a water uptake ability test to have higher water absorption abilities. An in vitro biodegradation test showed that sponges with a higher DA were more susceptible to lysozyme hydrolysis. Acetylated chitosan sponges were further shown by an in vitro fibroblast proliferation test to have a higher degree of cell viability on increasing the DA, with 75 h exhibiting the maximum effect. The results showed that the wound healing effect of chitosan sponges can be controlled by the DA. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010