Agradecimentos: The authors thank CAPES, CNPq (454679/2014–9) and FAPEMIG (APQ 02298–16) for financial support. They also thank the Graduate School of Science and Materials Engineering at the Federal University of Alfenas UNIFAL

In this study, we synthesized charge-tunable Chitosan/Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) microspheres for potential biomedical application. Microspheres were prepared in emulsion followed by ultrasonic solvent evaporation, and characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Infrared Spectroscopy with...

In this study, we synthesized charge-tunable Chitosan/Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) microspheres for potential biomedical application. Microspheres were prepared in emulsion followed by ultrasonic solvent evaporation, and characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Infrared Spectroscopy with Fourier Transform (FTIR), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta Potential measurements and Thermogravimetry (TG). The resulted suspension presented good colloidal stability. FTIR spectra of microspheres showed the displacement of characteristic peaks of both chitosan and PLA, confirming the interaction between both components. By SEM, particle agglomeration was observed after drying process. Zeta potential data showed positive charges at acidic pH due to the protonation of chitosan amino groups. Nevertheless, PLA carboxylates and hydroxyl groups from both polymers were responsible for the negative charges found at physiological pH. TG analysis showed thermal stability at physiological conditions, indicating the potential application of the microspheres as controlled drug delivery systems, among other biomedical applications

FUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE MINAS GERAIS - FAPEMIG

454679/2014–9

CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQ

COORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIOR - CAPES

APQ 02298–16

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