Preparation of low-molecular-weight carboxymethyl chitosan and their superoxide anion scavenging activity

Low-molecular-weight carboxymethyl chitosans (CMCTSs) were prepared by oxidative degradation method involving hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) without or with microwave radiation. Viscosity determination and end group analysis were applied to measure molecular weights of CMCTSs. Effects of concentration of H2O2 and degradation time on molecular weights of CMCTSs were studied. The degradation process of CMCTSs will be accelerated with the aid of microwave radiation and degradation time may be reduced greatly. The superoxide anion scavenging activity of CMCTSs was evaluated by application of flow injection chemiluminescence technology. The 50% inhibition concentrations (IC50s) of CMCTSs A, B, and C (1130, 2430 and 4350 Da) were 10.36, 17.57, and 23.38 mg/mL, respectively. The above results showed that CMCTSs with lower molecular weight had better superoxide anion scavenging activity.