Association of chitosan in the presence of an anionic surfactant in aqueous-glycerol solutions

Resumo

The effect of additions of sodium tetradecyl sulfate as an anionic surfactant on the association of chitosan macromolecules in aqueous-glycerol solutions was studied by fluorescence probe spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering. Associates of 40–170 nm size are formed on reaching a certain critical concentration of chitosan in solutions. The critical association concentration of chitosan in solutions containing 10–30 vol % glycerol is higher than in aqueous solutions. Formation of chitosan–surfactant complexes enhances the tendency of chitosan macromolecules to association in water–glycerol mixed solvents.