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Published on: October 23, 2012
Lysozyme Functionalized Alginate-Chitosan Beads and Films for Different Release Applications
Beatriz Moutinho1, Natalia Pyra1,2, Zuzanna Styrna1,2
1Research Institute of Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.
Researchers developed lysozyme (Lys) nanoparticles using calcium alginate and chitosan. These novel biosystems demonstrate high encapsulation efficiency and significant antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities, showing promise for biomedical therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Lysozyme (Lys) possesses antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
- Developing effective delivery systems for bioactive molecules like Lys is crucial for biomedical applications.
- Encapsulation of Lys in biocompatible polymers can enhance its stability and therapeutic efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize lysozyme-loaded nanoparticles using calcium alginate and chitosan.
- To evaluate the encapsulation efficiency, activity, and release profile of lysozyme from the developed biosystems.
- To assess the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of the lysozyme-loaded materials.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of calcium alginate (2%) and chitosan (1%) beads and films loaded with lysozyme.
- Determination of encapsulation efficiency, adsorbed lysozyme ratio, and lysozyme activity.
- Analysis of lysozyme release profiles in aqueous and buffered solutions (pH mimicking cancer cell environment) at 37°C.
- Assessment of antimicrobial activity against *Micrococcus lysodeikticus*.
- Evaluation of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the released lysozyme.
Main Results:
- Achieved 100% encapsulation efficiency of lysozyme in calcium alginate-chitosan matrices.
- Demonstrated sustained release of lysozyme under conditions simulating the cancer cell environment.
- Confirmed significant antimicrobial activity of the encapsulated lysozyme.
- Observed approximately 99% anti-inflammatory activity for lysozyme released from calcium alginate 2%-chitosan 1% beads.
Conclusions:
- The developed lysozyme-loaded calcium alginate and chitosan beads and films are effective biosystems for biological and biomedical applications.
- These novel materials show significant potential for use in antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory therapies.
- The high encapsulation efficiency and demonstrated bioactivities support the utility of these nanoparticles in advanced therapeutic strategies.
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