Polyelectrolyte complexes based on pectin–NH2 and chondroitin sulfate

This work reports on the formation and characterization of a polyelectrolyte complex based on pectin (PT), functionalized with primary amine groups (PT–NH2), and chondroitin sulfate (CS). From the simple mixture of PT–NH2 and CS, in acid conditions, it was formed a polyelectrolyte complex, labeled as PT–NH2/CS complex, which was confirmed through FTIR spectroscopy. The electrostatic interactions among the protonated amine groups from PT–NH2 and the sulfate groups from CS are responsible by complex formation. XRD patterns and thermal analysis showed that the complex formation disrupts some interactions present on the PT–NH2 and CS, but on the other hand, others are created. SEM images showed that the PT–NH2/CS complex presents a porous and rough morphology. PT–NH2/CS complex is new material that maintains the properties of CS with synergic association of properties from both polymers, which could maximize its applicability as biomaterial, for example.