Extraction and Characterisation of Chitosan-Based Biomaterials for Prostate Cancer Tissue Regeneration

In this work, extraction and characterisation of chitosan derived from crab shells was studied as a potential biomaterial for prostate cancer tissue regeneration. Chitosan was obtained through sequential demineralization, deproteinization, and deacetylation, yielding a light-yellow powder with a 23.6±1.2% recovery. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed successful deacetylation through characteristic amine and hydroxyl absorption bands and the disappearance of acetyl-related peaks. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs revealed a porous, irregular microstructure (5–20 µm) favourable for cell attachment and nutrient diffusion, while Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) verified high elemental purity (C, O, N). X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated semi-crystallinity (CrI = 68.4%), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) demonstrated good thermal stability with a two-stage degradation profile. Physicochemical assessments revealed a swelling index of 268 ±12 % and a density of 0.42 ± 0.03 g cm⁻³, indicating high hydrophilicity and low compactness suitable for biomedical scaffolds. The Loss on Ignition (LOI) of 97.3% confirmed effective demineralization and high organic purity. The pH of a 1% chitosan solution remained stable (5.8 ± 0.2), demonstrating chemical consistency, while enzymatic degradation with lysozyme confirmed biodegradability under physiological conditions. The foregoing findings imply that crab shell-derived chitosan possesses the structural, morphological, and compositional attributes required for biomedical applications. Its hydrophilic, biocompatible, and thermally stable nature positions it as a sustainable candidate for integration with polymers such as Poly(Lactic-co-Glycolic Acid) (PLGA) in future scaffold fabrication for prostate tissue regeneration.