Anti-complementary action of polymorphic "solubility forms" of particulate inulin

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Immunology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Inulin exists in multiple polymorphic forms with varying solubility and stability.
• These forms are interconvertible, progressing towards the stable, insoluble gamma inulin.
• Gamma inulin is the end product for polymers exceeding 8000 mol. wt.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize inulin's polymorphic forms and their properties.
• To develop a method for preparing pure gamma inulin for injection.
• To evaluate the complement-activating potential of different inulin forms.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of inulin polymorphic forms based on solubility and temperature.
• Development of a preparation method for injectable gamma inulin.
• Assay for alternative complement pathway activation using various inulin forms and known activators.

Main Results:

• Inulin exhibits polymorphic forms (beta 0(23), alpha 8(37), gamma) with distinct solubility profiles.
• A method was established for producing pure, insoluble gamma inulin suitable for injection.
• Gamma inulin demonstrated superior alternative complement pathway activation compared to other forms, S. aureus, and zymosan.

Conclusions:

• Inulin's polymorphic forms possess unique characteristics influencing their stability and biological activity.
• Injectable gamma inulin can be prepared and shows significant potential as a complement activator.
• Soluble inulin forms and dissolved inulin do not activate the alternative pathway and can inhibit gamma inulin's activity.