Nanoparticles of chitosan–sodium tripolyphosphate (CS-TPP) are formed in the dilute and semidilute regime.
The degree of coil space-occupancy (product of concentration and intrinsic viscosity) is a fundamental parameter to consider in the preparation of CS-TPP nanoparticles.
In general, the size and zeta potential of the nanoparticles are determined by the the degree of acetylation (DA) of CS.
Two type of behaviors are recognized at low (DA < 30%) or high (DA > 30%).
The molar ratio of glucosamine/TPP accounts for the DA of CS and also determine the physical properties of the nanoparticles.