Macroporous zwitterionic composite cryogel based on chitosan oligosaccharide for antifungal application

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Mycology

Background:

• Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) exhibits potent but short-lived antifungal properties due to high solubility.
• Developing sustained-release antimicrobial agents is crucial for effective infection control.
• Hydrogel-based delivery systems offer a promising strategy for prolonging the efficacy of bioactive molecules.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate a macroporous zwitterionic composite cryogel using COS and poly(N-methacryl arginine) (PMarg).
• To evaluate the cryogel as a long-term antifungal dressing with enhanced stability and controlled release of COS.
• To investigate the antifungal efficacy against Candida albicans.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of poly(N-methacryl arginine) (PMarg) using FT-IR, NMR, and HRMS.
• Fabrication of COS/PMarg composite cryogels via redox initiation cryopolymerization.
• Morphological analysis (SEM), thermal stability (TGA), swelling, mechanical properties, COS release, and antimicrobial testing.

Main Results:

• Macroporous cryogels with pore sizes ranging from 20.86 to 50.87 μm were successfully prepared.
• FTIR confirmed hydrogen bonding between COS and PMarg, enhancing thermal stability.
• The cryogel demonstrated controlled COS release, leading to sustained antifouling activity and effective inhibition of Candida albicans proliferation.

Conclusions:

• The developed macroporous zwitterionic COS/PMarg composite cryogel functions as a stable, long-term antifungal dressing.
• The material exhibits a sequential "sterilization-release" capacity, addressing the limitations of free COS.
• This composite cryogel holds potential for advanced wound care applications requiring sustained antimicrobial action.