Determining the Deacetylation Degree of Chitosan: Opportunities To Learn Instrumental Techniques

Abstract

To enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills, a project-based learning (PBL) approach for “Instrumental Techniques” courses in undergraduate physical chemistry was specifically developed for a pharmacy bachelor degree program. The starting point of this PBL was an open-ended question that is close to the student scientist’s interest and related to this lab: “How can we determine the deacetylation degree of chitosan?” Chitosan is a polysaccharide used in a broad range of pharmacy applications because of its unique properties. Many of these properties derive from the presence of primary amino groups (−NH2) in its structure. These −NH2 groups are usually formed by the deacetylation of chitin. For this reason, a proper quantification of the deacetylation degree (DD) of chitosan is important to know whether it can be used in a particular application. This driving question requires an experimental procedure that can be carried out by a wide range of instrumental techniques. In this project, technique...