Vanillin chitosan miscible hydrogel blends and their prospects for 3D printing biomedical applications

Abstract

In the present study, chitosan (CS) reacted with vanillin through a Schiff base reaction forming the vanillin-CS (VACS) derivative. FTIR and 1H NMR spectra confirmed the derivatization of CS, the enhanced swelling behavior was long-established while XRD measurement stated the semicrystalline nature of the VACS derivative. In a further step, blends between CS and VACS were prepared in ratios CS/VACS 90/10 up to 10/90 w/w and the formation of hydrogen bonds was noticed through FTIR and XRD measurements. Structural optimizations were performed within the framework of density functional theory and interaction energies Eint were calculated. Collectively, these results along with viscosity measurements and SEM images prove the miscibility of CS/VACS blends. In the optimum CS/VACS ratios, inks for 3D printing application were prepared in different concentrations (3%w/v, 4%w/v, 5%w/v, 6%w/v). The augmentation of the samples' viscosity values influenced by the polymeric concentration was assessed while their thereafter printing application was conducted.