• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.23-31
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• 1992

A novel O-diethylaminoethyl chitosan (DEAE-chitosan) was synthesized via Schiff's reaction between chitosan and benzaldehyde. $C_2$ amino group was protected via Schiffs base reaction with benzaldehyde to form N-benzylidene chitosan. After reaction with diethylaminoethyl chloride, Schiffs base was removed by reacting O-diethylaminothyl-N-benzylidene chitosan and hydrochloric acid. Tensile strength of DEAE-chitosan was improved due to the incorporation of bulky side group in $C_6$ position of chitosan. DEAE-chitosan showed a pH-dependent swelling characteristics. Release rate of riboflavin was dependent on the water content of DEAE-chitosan that is a function of crosslinking degrees.