Di-tert-butyl dicarbonate

Di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (tBOC) is a covalent modification agent for hydroxyl groups (-OH) on the chitosan molecular chain. Di-tert-butyl dicarbonate selectively modifies chitosan and stabilizes the material structure through hydrophobic encapsulation. Di-tert-butyl dicarbonate reacts with the -OH groups of chitosan to form a hydrophobic layer, and in conjunction with triethylamine (TEA), removes trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) salts produced during the electrospinning process, preserving the nanofiber structure and high porosity of the membrane, and improving the material's cytocompatibility and mineralization-promoting ability. Di-tert-butyl dicarbonate can be used in research in the field of guided bone regeneration (GBR)^[1]. In Vitro:Although electrospun chitosan membranes (ESCMs) possess potential for guided bone regeneration (GBR) due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and nanofiber structure (mimicking the natural extracellular matrix ECM), they suffer from the following drawbacks: a) structural instability due to solvent residue, b) excessive surface hydrophilicity, and c) poor cell adhesion. Di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (tBOC) can be combined with TEA to form a "two-step treatment system" to first address the structural stability problem of ESCMs and then optimize their surface properties. The modification process is as follows: TEA pretreatment: removes TFA salt while preserving the nanofiber structure; tBOC covalent modification: constructs a hydrophobic protective layer, stabilizing the structure and regulating surface hydrophilicity, thereby enhancing cell-membrane interaction. Di-tert-butyl dicarbonate-modified electrospun chitosan membranes can increase the adhesion rate of fibroblasts and osteoblasts by 30-50%^[1].