Toxicity study of isolated polypeptide from wool hydrolysate

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Toxicology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Wool polypeptide is a derivative of wool protein.
• Its potential applications as a food ingredient or drug carrier necessitate safety evaluation.
• Understanding its toxicological profile is crucial for regulatory approval and consumer confidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the cytotoxicity and systemic toxicity of wool polypeptide.
• To determine the safety of wool polypeptide for potential use in food and pharmaceutical industries.
• To characterize the physical and chemical properties of the prepared wool polypeptide.

Main Methods:

• Wool polypeptide was prepared by dissolving wool in sodium hydroxide and adjusting pH.
• Characterization involved Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Thermogravimetric Differential Scanning Calorimetry (TG-DSC).
• Cytotoxicity was assessed using in vitro cell viability assays. In vivo toxicity was evaluated through acute and 30-day subacute oral toxicology studies in animal models, including hematology, blood chemistry, and histopathology.

Main Results:

• Wool polypeptide exhibited no significant negative impact on cell viability in vitro.
• Animal studies revealed no adverse effects on body weight, feed consumption, blood parameters, or organ histology at any tested dose.
• No treatment-related findings were observed during gross or detailed necropsy, organ weight analysis, or histopathological examination.

Conclusions:

• Wool polypeptide demonstrates a lack of cytotoxicity and systemic toxicity.
• The findings support the safe use of wool polypeptide as a food ingredient or drug carrier.
• Further research can explore its efficacy and specific applications in these fields.