Chitosan/NaF Particles Prepared Via Ionotropic Gelation: Evaluation of Particles Size and Morphology

The aim of this work was to perform an analysis of the influence of Sodium Fluoride (NaF) on chitosan particles size and morphology produced via ionotropic gelation with higher rotational stirring speed. Samples were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta Potential (ζ), Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS). Chitosan/TPP particles diameter obtained was in the order of 3.8 µm. When NaF was added in different concentration (0.05%, 0.2% and 2%), the particle size diameter values, Zeta Potential and Poly Dispersive Index measures consequently decreased. Even so, no further modification in morphology was found. An exception was made for the samples with higher NaF concentration. After 21 days, occurred an increase in the particle size diameter. In the future, the proposed methodology could provide a dentistry application, especially on delivering particles of NaF.