Improvement of the physical properties of chitosan by γ-ray degradation for wound healing

Abstract

Improving the physical properties of chitosan films by irradiation with different doses (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 kGy) of γ-rays to be used as a wound healing material. Mechanical properties and dielectric spectroscopy were measured for the films. Results showed that at low γ-dose, tensile strength (TS) elongation percent (E%) increase, while E-modulus, ε′, ε″ and δA.C decrease due to the accumulation of ions between the chitosan chains which make a bulk network due to hydrogen bonds. This will make the film more elastic and high biodegradable which is preferred in wound healing. While the contrary was observed by increasing the radiation dose, chain scission occur resulting in weak chitosan interchain bonds and this will increase the mobility of the segments which increase the rigidity. In conclusion, the dose of 5 kGy was the most optimum for the properties of chitosan films used in the application of wound healing. Keywords: Chitosan, Tensile strength, Chain scission, Mobility