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Updated: May 2, 2026
Fabricating Superhydrophobic Polymeric Materials for Biomedical Applications
Published on: August 28, 2015
Poly(sucrose) micro particles preparation and their use as biomaterials
Nurettin Sahiner1, Selin Sagbas2, Mustafa Turk3
1Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science & Arts, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Terzioglu Campus, 17100 Canakkale, Turkey; Nanoscience and Technology Research and Application Center, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Terzioglu Campus, 17100 Canakkale, Turkey.
Researchers developed novel crosslinked polysaccharide (p(sucrose)) microparticles using a simple microemulsion method. These versatile particles show potential for drug delivery, cell growth media, and safe in vivo applications due to their degradability and low toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Developing novel biocompatible microparticles is crucial for advanced drug delivery and tissue engineering.
- Sucrose-based materials offer a sustainable and biodegradable alternative to synthetic polymers.
- Microemulsion techniques provide a scalable method for synthesizing uniform microparticles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize crosslinked polysaccharide (p(sucrose)) microparticles for the first time.
- To investigate the properties, drug loading/release capabilities, and biological interactions of these novel microparticles.
- To evaluate the safety and potential in vivo applications of p(sucrose) microparticles.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of p(sucrose) microparticles via reverse micelles using divinyl sulfone (DVS) crosslinker in a water-in-oil microemulsion.
- Characterization of particle size, zeta potential, magnetic responsiveness, and degradability under different pH conditions.
- Drug absorption and release studies using dopamine and gallic acid as model drugs.
- Assessment of p(sucrose) microparticles as a nutrient source for Escherichia coli and evaluation of cytotoxicity against cancer and fibroblast cell lines.
Main Results:
- High yield (>90%) synthesis of p(sucrose) microparticles in a single step.
- Particles exhibited wide size distributions, negative zeta potential (-27.30 mV), and magnetic field responsiveness.
- Demonstrated degradability at pH 2.5 and 11, and successful absorption/release of model drugs.
- p(sucrose) microparticles supported the growth of Escherichia coli, suggesting potential as a cell culture medium.
- Low cytotoxicity observed against MDA MB-231 cancerous cells (26% dead) and L929 fibroblast cells (32.5% dead) at 100 µg/ml.
Conclusions:
- Novel, efficiently synthesized crosslinked p(sucrose) microparticles possess tunable properties including magnetic responsiveness and pH-dependent degradability.
- These microparticles demonstrate potential for controlled drug delivery and as a viable nutrient medium for microbial growth.
- The low observed cytotoxicity suggests p(sucrose) microparticles are safe for potential in vivo applications, opening avenues for biomedical research.
