Facile, shear-induced, rapid formation of stable gels of chitosan through in situ generation of colloidal metal salts

A novel method of preparing chitosan gels using in situ generated negatively-charged colloidal salts of a variety of metal ions is described. Their potential as scaffolds for tissue-engineering and as recoverable catalysts in aza-Michael addition is demonstrated here. Given their wide range of properties, they have broad scope for applications.