[Enzymatic depolymerization of N-succinylchitosan]

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Enzymology
• Polymer Science

Context:

• N-succinylchitosan is a high-molecular weight polymer.
• Enzymatic degradation offers a controlled method for modifying chitosan derivatives.

Purpose:

• To investigate the enzymatic hydrolysis of N-succinylchitosan using various enzyme preparations.
• To evaluate the efficiency of Streptomyces kurssanovii enzymes, lysozyme, and Celloviridin in degrading N-succinylchitosan.

Summary:

• A complex of chitinolytic enzymes from Streptomyces kurssanovii, along with lysozyme and Celloviridin, were utilized for the enzymatic hydrolysis of high-molecular N-succinylchitosan (390 kDa, 0.8 substitution degree).
• All tested enzymatic preparations successfully produced low-molecular weight N-succinylchitosan derivatives.
• The S. kurssanovii enzyme complex exhibited the highest activity, reducing substrate viscosity by 78% in 30 minutes. Lysozyme demonstrated biodegradation, with cleavage rates decreasing as polymer molecular mass reduced.

Impact:

• Establishes the efficacy of specific enzymes for N-succinylchitosan modification.
• Suggests potential applications of N-succinylchitosan derivatives in drug delivery systems for prolonged therapeutic action.