Multifunctional Konjac Glucomannan Film Tuning by Gallic Acid Functionalization

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Engineering

Background:

• Konjac glucomannan (KG) is a biocompatible polysaccharide with inherent limitations in functional performance.
• Modification strategies are essential to enhance the properties of KG for advanced applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of gallic acid (GA) functionalization on the structural, physicochemical, mechanical, antioxidant, and biological properties of KG-based films.
• To evaluate the potential of GA-modified KG films for biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to confirm GA-KG interactions.
• Physicochemical characterization including surface energy, roughness, hydration, and water vapor permeability.
• Mechanical testing (tensile strength, elongation), antioxidant activity assays, hemocompatibility, and cytocompatibility evaluations.

Main Results:

• GA functionalization via non-covalent hydrogen bonding improved KG film properties without altering the polymer backbone.
• Concentration-dependent tuning of surface energy, roughness, hydration, and water vapor permeability was achieved.
• Significant enhancements in stiffness, tensile strength, and antioxidant activity were observed, alongside excellent hemocompatibility and content-dependent cytocompatibility.

Conclusions:

• GA modification effectively enhances the functional performance of KG films, preserving polymer integrity.
• GA-modified KG films demonstrate potential for biomedical applications, particularly wound dressings, due to improved antioxidant activity, controlled hydration, and biocompatibility.