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Species-Specific Biodegradation of Sporopollenin-Based Microcapsules
Teng-Fei Fan1, Michael G Potroz1, Ee-Lin Tan1
1School of Materials Science and Engineering, School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, 639798, Singapore, Singapore.
Abstract:
Sporoderms, the outer layers of plant spores and pollen grains, are some of the most robust biomaterials in nature. In order to evaluate the potential of sporoderms in biomedical applications, we studied the biodegradation in simulated gastrointestinal fluid of sporoderm microcapsules (SDMCs) derived from four different plant species: lycopodium (Lycopodium clavatum L.), camellia (Camellia sinensis L.), cattail (Typha angustifolia L.), and dandelion (Taraxacum officinale L.). Dynamic image particle analysis (DIPA) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) were used to investigate the morphological characteristics of the capsules, and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to evaluate their chemical properties. We found that SDMCs undergo bulk degradation in a species-dependent manner, with camellia SDMCs undergoing the most extensive degradation, and dandelion and lycopodium SDMCs being the most robust.
Insights
Sporoderm microcapsules (SDMCs) from plants show varied biodegradation in simulated gut fluid. Camellia SDMCs degraded most, while dandelion and lycopodium SDMCs were most resistant, highlighting species-dependent properties for biomedical use.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Plant Biology
- Gastrointestinal Toxicology
Background:
- Sporoderms, the outer layers of plant spores and pollen, are exceptionally durable natural biomaterials.
- Their robust nature suggests potential for various applications, including drug delivery systems.
- Understanding their degradation is crucial for evaluating biomedical suitability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the biodegradation of sporoderm microcapsules (SDMCs) in simulated gastrointestinal fluid.
- To compare the degradation patterns of SDMCs from four distinct plant species: lycopodium, camellia, cattail, and dandelion.
- To determine the influence of plant species on the stability and degradation of SDMCs.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of sporoderm microcapsules (SDMCs) from Lycopodium clavatum, Camellia sinensis, Typha angustifolia, and Taraxacum officinale.
- Exposure of SDMCs to simulated gastrointestinal fluid.
- Analysis of morphological changes using dynamic image particle analysis (DIPA) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM).
- Evaluation of chemical property alterations using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.
Main Results:
- SDMCs exhibited species-dependent bulk degradation characteristics.
- Camellia (Camellia sinensis) SDMCs showed the most significant degradation.
- Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and lycopodium (Lycopodium clavatum) SDMCs demonstrated the highest resistance to degradation.
- FE-SEM and FTIR confirmed structural and chemical changes consistent with degradation.
Conclusions:
- The biodegradation of sporoderm microcapsules in simulated gastrointestinal conditions is highly dependent on the plant species of origin.
- Camellia, dandelion, and lycopodium sporoderms offer a spectrum of degradation profiles, suggesting tailored applications in biomedical fields.
- These findings support the potential of utilizing specific plant sporoderms as robust or degradable microcapsules for targeted delivery systems within the gastrointestinal tract.
