Physicochemical and Biological Properties of O-carboxymethyl Chitosan Obtained From Chitosan of Dead Bees

Objective: To synthesize carboxymethyl chitosans (CMCS) from local raw material Apis mellifera, study their physicochemical properties, determine molecular weight and biological activity, and make CMCS-based antibacterial biodegradable polymer compositions.

Methods: CMCS was synthesized from dead bees; its molecular weight was determined by viscometry, and the degree of acetylation was established by coductometric titration. Its physicochemical properties were studied using infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, and X-ray spectroscopy, and the results obtained were compared with quantum chemical calculations. The study presents the results of histological analysis to investigate the biological activity of CMCS.

Results: For the first time, O-CMCS was synthesized from Apis mellifera chitosan, and we determined its optimal conditions: sodium hydroxide concentration, alkylating agent ratio, process temperature and duration, and kinetic parameters.

For the first time, ointments for burn wounds based on Apis mellifera O-CMCS were prepared and tested on white rats.

The sodium hydroxide concentration was found to be 30%; the required temperature for the reaction was 650 °C; the polymer formation reaction process lasted 3 hours; the ratio of chitosan to monochloroacetic acid was 1:1, and the ratio of chitosan to isopropyl alcohol was 1:50.

Conclusions: The CMCS-based ointment has an antimicrobial effect and a unique antiseptic property. It does not disrupt the physiological functions of the skin or cause allergic reactions and toxicological problems.

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