Advances in Research

Aims: This study aims to prepare and characterise radiopaque chitosan microspheres incorporating barium sulphate for potential biomedical applications, including drug delivery, bone cements, and embolisation procedures.

Study Design: Experimental, laboratory-based study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chemistry and Research Centre, St. Albert's College (Autonomous), Ernakulam, Kerala, India.

Duration: 2022-2024

Methodology: Low-viscosity chitosan was extracted from shrimp shells using pineapple peel extract as a green deproteinising agent. Radiopaque microspheres were prepared by in situ crosslinking of chitosan with glutaraldehyde, with barium sulphate incorporated as the radiopaque contrast agent. Microspheres were synthesised using different emulsion media to optimise morphology. The prepared microspheres were characterised by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and clinical X-ray imaging to evaluate their structural, morphological, and radiopaque properties.

Results: Different emulsion systems were tested for the preparation of microspheres. The emulsion system consisting of liquid paraffin and sorbitan sesquioleate produced microspheres with a uniform size distribution and excellent spherical geometry. FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed crosslinking of chitosan and incorporation of barium sulphate without affecting the structural integrity of the polymer. SEM images revealed smooth, well defined spherical particles with good surface morphology. Clinical X-ray examination demonstrated excellent radiopacity, indicating effective X-ray visibility of the developed microspheres.

Conclusion: Low viscosity chitosan was prepared from shrimp shell and pineapple peel. X-ray-visible microspheres of low-viscosity chitosan were prepared by an in situ crosslinking reaction with glutaraldehyde. Radiopacity was imparted by the incorporation of barium sulphate. Microspheres were studied using various emulsion media. Among these, the liquid paraffin/sorbitan sesquioleate system produced microspheres with spherical geometry. These microspheres were characterised using infrared spectroscopy, XRD, scanning electron microscopy, and general clinical X-ray imaging. The microspheres showed good surface morphology with clear X-ray visibility.