ABSTRACT
This chapter summarizes the basic knowledge about molecular interaction between Chitosan (CS) and magnesium aluminum silicate (MAS), one type of clay, in the form of dispersions and films. CS is a polysaccharide that consists of N-acetyl-D glucosamine and D-glucosamine. Because of an opposite charge of MAS and CS, strong molecular interaction via electrostatic force occurs when mixing them in the dispersion form. CS films obtained are transparent and yellowish, whereas the incorporation of MAS results in an opaque appearance of the CS–MAS. films. The tensile strength of the CS films prepared using nonheated dispersions obviously decreases by adding a small amount of MAS, whereas the tensile strengths of the CS–MAS films in the higher ratios of MAS present a greater tensile strength than the CS films. The permeation mechanism across the CS–MAS films of the positively charged drug is different from nonelectrolyte and negatively charged drugs.
