Condensed state structure and biocompatibility of the konjac glucomannan/chitosan blend films

Specialised blend films have been prepared by blending 1% w/v konjac glucomannan aqueous with 1% w/v chitosan solution in acetate solution and drying at room temperature for 24 h. The condensed state structure and miscibility of the blend films were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and wide-angle X-ray diffraction. The results indicated that the blend film obtained from an 80/20 mixing ratio of konjac glucomannan and chitosan derivate showed the highest miscibility and blend homogeneity, and that strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds took place between the amino groups of chitosan and the hydroxyl groups of konjac glucomannan; thus the tensile strength also achieved its maximum in this ratio. The cell morphologies on the pure and blend films were examined by light microscopy and cell viability was studied by using MTT assay. The results showed that the particular blend film was more suitable for the cell culture than the pure konjac glucomannan film, and that the cells cultured on this blend film had greater spreading coefficients than that of the pure konjac glucomannan film. As a result of the good mechanical properties, miscibility and biocompatibility, the blend film is a promising biomaterial matrix.