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Dextran-Chitosan Composites: Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Anca Roxana Petrovici1, Narcis Anghel1, Maria Valentina Dinu1
1"Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, 41A Grigore Ghica Voda Alley, 700487 Iasi, Romania.
Polymers
|May 13, 2023
Summary
New dextran and chitosan composites with bioactive additives show enhanced antioxidant and mechanical properties. These advanced biomaterials hold promise for medical applications, particularly in cell membrane repair and antioxidant regulation.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Dextran (Dex) and chitosan (Ch) are biocompatible polymers with potential in biomedical applications.
- Incorporating bioactive compounds and modified chitosan can enhance material properties and therapeutic efficacy.
- Understanding the interplay between formulation, mechanical characteristics, and biological activity is crucial for developing advanced medical materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize novel dextran-chitosan composite formulations with enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- To evaluate the impact of additives like chitosan stearate (MCh), citric acid, salicylic acid, and ginger extract on the mechanical and biological performance of Dex:Ch matrices.
- To explore the potential of these composites for medical applications, including cell membrane repair and antioxidant regulation.
Main Methods:
- Formulation of dextran-chitosan composites with various bioactive fillings.
- Characterization using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and mechanical testing.
- Evaluation of antioxidant properties (scavenging activity, metal chelation, ferric ion reducing power) and anti-inflammatory potential (serum albumin binding affinity).
Main Results:
- Chitosan stearate incorporation significantly increased the elastic modulus of Dex:Ch samples.
- Composites with citric acid and salicylic acid demonstrated compact networks and high compression resistance.
- The Dex:Ch:MCh:citric acid formulation exhibited the highest lipid peroxidation inhibition (83% at 24 h), indicating potent antioxidant activity.
- Active substances like ginger extract and citric acid enhanced antioxidant properties, while modified chitosan improved mechanical strength.
Conclusions:
- Novel dextran-chitosan composites incorporating bioactive agents and modified chitosan offer improved mechanical and antioxidant functionalities.
- These advanced biomaterials show significant potential for therapeutic applications, particularly in preserving cell membrane integrity and modulating oxidative stress.
- The study underscores the versatility of Dex:Ch matrices for developing functional materials for regenerative medicine and therapeutic interventions.
