Comparison of functional and biological properties of chitosan and hyaluronic acid, to be used for the treatment of mucositis in cancer patients

Functional and bioactive properties of a selection of chitosan and hyaluronic acid grades were compared to enable a rational choice of the best candidate for the future development of mucoadhesive systems intended for the treatment of buccal or vaginal mucositis. Chitosan or hyaluronic acid molecular weight, type of salt and the pH of the administration site were considered as critical variables for functional and bioactive polymer properties. Two grades of chitosan, salified with ascorbic acid or hydrochloric acid, and two grades of sodium hyaluronate were examined. Aqueous solutions (1 % w/w) of each polymer grade or salt were prepared and compared for viscosity, mucoadhesive (tensile stress measurements), antimicrobial, antioxidant and tissue repairing properties. The overall comparison of the results indicates that the high molecular weight of chitosan ascorbate is the more promising candidate for the development of mucoadhesive formulations, characterized by bioactive properties.