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Residue-Based Thermogravimetric Analysis: A Novel Method to Quantify Carboxylate Group Modifications in Macromolecules

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Quantifying the degree of modification (DoM) of hyaluronic acid (HA) is crucial for biomaterials development. This has remained a challenge, as diverse functional groups hinder precise spectroscopic quantification. Here, we present a method employing thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) by comparing residues of sodium hyaluronate (NaHA) and carboxylate-modified HA derivatives. Thermal decomposition enabled quantification of the inorganic residue (Na 2 CO 3 ) that was obtained as the final product. Validation on four diverse HA derivatives, namely aldehyde, furan, thiol, and cyanoacetate, was performed. The first three matched 1 H NMR/UV–vis data, while the cyanoacetate sample, previously unquantifiable, was determined for the first time. Because the residue arises solely from Na +, the assay is independent of the attached pendant group and potentially transferable to any carboxylate-bearing polymer beyond HA. Residue-based TGA closes an analytical gap, providing a label-free tool for quantifying carboxylate modification, applicable irrespective of chemical structure, and able to characterize “silent groups,” relevant for biomaterials.

Source: Biomacromolecules

DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.5c01271

Authors: Christos Leliopoulos, Hamidreza Mokhtari, Shima Tavakoli, Oommen P. Varghese

Institution: Uppsala University

Language: English

Topic: Thermal and Kinetic Analysis

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500

Funders: Stiftelsen Promobilia, Vetenskapsrådet