Chitosan based polyelectrolyte complexes

Polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) are formed through the electrostatic interactions between polymers carrying opposite charges. Here are presented results of basic studies on the PECs of chitosan with other polysaccharides such as sodium alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose, polygalacturonic acid and κ-carrageenan. An extensive study on chitosan/carboxymethyl cellulose membranes, regarding its swelling characteristics and water vapour sorption is offered. Also the interaction of chitosan with polyacrylic acid has been examined from the thermodynamic point of view.