Customization: | Available |
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CAS No.: | 52108-64-2 |
Formula: | N/a |
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Carboxymethyl Chitin (CMC) is a derivative of chitin, a naturally occurring polysaccharide found in the shells of crustaceans such as crabs and shrimp, as well as in the cell walls of fungi. This modification introduces carboxymethyl groups into the chitin structure, enhancing its solubility in water at neutral and alkaline pH values while maintaining its biocompatibility and low toxicity .
The synthesis of CMC typically involves a reaction between chitin and monochloroaceti in the presence of a solvent, such as isopropyl, using a condensation reaction. This process results in a water-soluble polyelectrolyte with properties similar to carboxymethyl cellulose .
CMC and its chitosan derivatives exhibit a range of valuable properties, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, nontoxicity, antimicrobial activity, and the ability to chelate metal ions. These attributes make CMC an attractive material for various biomedical applications. Notably, CMC has been explored for use in tissue engineering, wound healing, drug delivery, and as an anti-microbial agent .
In the context of biomedical applications, CMC has been formulated into hydrogels, nanoparticles, and other forms to promote healing and deliver therapeutic agents. For instance, CMC hydrogels containing factors have been developed to enhance diabetic wound healing . Additionally, CMC nanoparticles have been utilized for the delivery of drugs, such as 5-fluorouracil, to treat keloids .
Research has also highlighted CMC's potential as an immune adjuvant in vaccine delivery, with studies demonstrating its ability to activate dendritic cells and promote cellular immunity . Furthermore, CMC's ability to form complexes with various drugs and its compatibility with other polymers and nanofillers have led to the development of nanocomposite materials with tailored properties for high-performance applications .