UCST‐type phase transition driven by protein‐derived polypeptide employing gelatin and chitosan

Here, we describe the thermosensitive reversible phase transition behaviors of polyelectrolyte complex composed of gelatin and chitosan (G/C complex). An aqueous dispersion of the G/C complexes showed a clear upper critical solution temperature (UCST) at around 30°C. The thermosensitive phase transition behavior showed excellent reversibility and large thermal hysteresis as a usual phenomenon based on the intra‐ and inter‐molecular interaction change. A high correlation was observed between the UCST of the G/C complex and the helix‐melting temperature of gelatin by circular dichroism, which suggested that the phase transition of the G/C complex corresponded to the secondary structure (helix‐coil) transition of gelatin. Notably, the UCST of the G/C complex shifted to lower temperatures in the presence of urea, which is well known to destabilize gelatin, whereas the addition of salt led to the dissolution of the G/C complex. It is envisaged that the results of this study will have a significant impact on the fabrication of UCST‐type thermosensitive materials, which can be utilized under aqueous physiological conditions using well‐known biopolymers. This protein‐derived functional material, which responds to the secondary structure transition, could also be used for the development of novel UCST‐type thermosensitive biomaterials. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.