Preparation and characterization of catechol-functionalized chitosan thermosensitive hydrogels

Catechol functionalization of chitosan was modified by EDC coupling reaction and then catechol-functionalized chitosan thermosensitive hydrogels were prepared by catechol-functionalization of chitosan with beta-glycerophosphate disodium as a thermosensitizer. The hydrogels were then characterized by FTIR, H-1-NMR, SEM and rheology analysis. The results demonstrated that the thermosensitive hydrogels were prepared at 37 degrees C within several minutes by mixing 2% catechol-functionalized chitosan with 30% beta-glycerophosphate disodium at a ratio of 8:2, and these thermosensitive hydrogels with porous network structure were expected to be developed as biomedical materials with wide applications.