Phthalic anhydride esterified chicha gum: characterization and antibacterial activity

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Microbiology
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Chicha gum is a natural polysaccharide with potential applications.
• Developing novel antimicrobial agents is crucial for combating bacterial infections.
• Phthalic anhydride is a chemical reagent used for modifying hydroxyl groups.

Purpose of the Study:

• To chemically modify chicha gum using phthalic anhydride to create a new biologically active material.
• To evaluate the antimicrobial properties of the modified chicha gum derivatives.
• To assess the safety and toxicity profile of the new material.

Main Methods:

• Chemical modification of chicha gum with phthalic anhydride.
• Characterization of modified gum using FTIR, elemental analysis, XRD, TG, and DSC.
• Antimicrobial activity testing against P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and E. coli.
• Cytotoxicity assessment using CC50 in macrophages and hemolytic activity tests.

Main Results:

• Successful chemical modification of chicha gum was confirmed by various analytical techniques.
• The derived materials exhibited excellent inhibitory effects (100% inhibition) against P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae.
• The modified gum also inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli.
• Derivatives showed increased CC50 in macrophages and no acute toxicity or hemolytic activity.

Conclusions:

• Hydrophobization of chicha gum with phthalic groups enhances interaction with bacterial cell walls, leading to potent antimicrobial activity.
• The modified chicha gum derivatives are safe and non-toxic.
• These novel materials hold promise for the prophylaxis or treatment of infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria.