Preparation of free-standing films of natural polysaccharides using hot press technique and their surface functionalization with biomimetic apatite

This study demonstrated that gel-like polyion complexes obtained by mixing of aqueous solution of chondroitin sulfate, heparin, and hyaluronic acid with that of chitosan were able to form their free-standing films using hot press treatments. These films, having thicknesses ca. 50 and 100 μm, depending on the spacer thickness, were homogeneous and non-porous at the microscopic level, and were not water-soluble. The present fabrication process required neither cross-coupling agents nor introduction of other functional groups to the polysaccharides. Hydroxyapatite deposition on the film surfaces under body fluid conditions was also achieved.

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► Free-standing films of glycosaminoglycans/chitosan composites were obtained.
► Hot pressing of polysaccharide polyion complexes resulted in formation of their films.
► Water addition and repetitive pressing were beneficial to obtain homogeneous films.
► Apatite coating of the film surfaces were achieved using 1.5SBF.