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Updated: Nov 4, 2025
Synthesis of Stimuli-responsive Nanogels using Aqueous One-step Crosslinking and Co-nanopolymerization
Published on: January 24, 2025
Thermally driven formation of polyphenolic carbonized nanogels with high anticoagulant activity from polysaccharides
Ju-Yi Mao1, Binesh Unnikrishnan2, Han-Wei Chu2
1Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan. hanjia@ntou.edu.tw huanging@ntou.edu.tw and Doctoral Degree Program in Marine Biotechnology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Keelung 20224, Taiwan and Doctoral Degree Program in Marine Biotechnology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.
Abstract:
We have demonstrated that alginate with negligible anticoagulant activity can be converted into carbonized nanogels with potent anticoagulant activity through a solid-state heating process. The conversion of alginate into graphene-like nanosheet (GNS)-embedded polyphenolic-alginate nanogels (GNS/Alg-NGs) has been carried out through condensation and carbonization processes. The GNS/Alg-NGs exhibit much stronger anticoagulant activity (>520-fold) compared to untreated alginate, mainly because their polyphenolic structures have a high binding affinity [dissociation constant (Kd) = 2.1 × 10-10 M] toward thrombin. In addition, the thrombin clotting time delay caused by the GNS/Alg-NGs is 10-fold longer than that of natural polyphenolic compounds, such as quercetin, catechin, naringenin, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid. The thrombin- or kaolin-activated thromboelastography of whole-blood coagulation reveals that the GNS/Alg-NGs display a much stronger anticoagulant ability than that of untreated alginate and naturally sulfated polysaccharides (fucoidan). The GNS/Alg-NGs exhibit superior biocompatibility and anticoagulant activity, as observed with an in vivo rat model, revealing their potential as a blood thinner for the treatment of thrombotic disorders.
