| Abstract: | Induction and stabilization of free radicals were investigated in hematoporphyrin-IX (Hp)-doped chitosan (Hp-Ch) film by electron spin resonance (ESR) following photo-irradiation. Induced radicals were more stable in chitosan and 6-O-carboxymethyl chitin films than in carboxymethyl cellulose and sodium alginate films. Hydroxyl groups on D-glucosamine residues in chitosan are suggested as participating in accepting radicals, since spin trapping was absorbed in ESR spectra of Hp-Ch film by the use of oxygen sensitive spin trapping reagent. An induced circular dichroism spectrum was observed only for Hp-doped chitosan film over a range 360–450 nm among seven pairs of polymers and dyes; it is suggested that Hp molecules are arranged parallel along the carbohydrate backbone of chitosan, resulting in the highest acceptance of photo-induced radicals in the polymer film. |
