The Synthesis and Evaluation of RGD-Conjugated Chitosan Gel as Daily Supplement for Body Weight Control

(1) Background: Obesity is one of the most widespread chronic diseases and increases the risk of several other chronic diseases, especially type 2 diabetes. (2) Methods: Endobarrier is a new medical device what is worn in the small intestines for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. However, given the invasive and other adverse effects of the Endobarrier, we propose the use of RGD peptide conjugated with chitosan (RC) as an alternative. (3) Results: The FTIR and NMR spectrum showed RGD peptide was successfully conjugated on chitosan and RGD-CT is retained in the small intestine even after digestion. In vitro of wst-1 and live and dead staining studies show that the RGD-CT gel is highly biocompatible and non-toxic. Rats treated with the RGD-CT gel for a short term showed significant decrease change more than 30% in body weight, while the blood and hematic biometrics were within normal values. (4) Conclusions: The RGD-CT gel is safe, suitable for the short-term, reducing visceral fat rate health food to control weight. In the future, it is expected to develop a safe, long-term effective, flexibility of use and low-side-effect anti-obesity therapy in the era of precision medicine by further modification.