Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of an Iron(III)-Polysaccharide Complex Derived from Hypsizygus ulmarius

This current research involves the synthesis and biological evaluation of an iron complex derived from the Hypsizygus ulmarius polysaccharide (HUP-Fe(III)), with the aim of determining its potential as an iron supplement and a bioactive agent.

HUP-Fe(III) was characterized using FT-IR, NMR, SEM, XRD, molecular weight analysis, and monosaccharide profiling. Antioxidant capacity was assessed by DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl radical scavenging, and ferric/cupric ion reduction assays. Antibacterial activity was tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. Anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated through membrane stabilization and hemolysis inhibition. Coagulation parameters such as Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT), Thrombin Time (TT), and Prothrombin Time (PT) were measured, and anticancer activity against Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) cell lines was analyzed, including effects on cell cycle progression and mitochondrial function.

The analysis of HUP-Fe(III) revealed an iron content of 7.56%, and SEM and XRD investigations showed significant morphological changes and reduced crystallinity after Fe³⁺ chelation. FT-IR and XRD patterns point to a β-FeOOH structure, while NMR evidence indicates changes in glycosidic connections in the anomeric region. The anti-oxidant results indicated that HUP-Fe(III) had better radical scavenging activity than native HUP. Antibacterial analysis showed moderate-to-high inhibition. In vitro anti-inflammatory experiments showed that HUP-Fe(III) improved membrane stability and hemolysis prevention. The APTT and TT were significantly prolonged, while PT was unaffected. HUP-Fe(III) strongly inhibited TNBC cell lines by arresting G2/M cell cycle and causing mitochondrial malfunction. These findings indicate that HUP-Fe(III) exhibits promising multifunctional biological activities, suggesting its potential for further investigation as a candidate for iron supplementation.

Polysaccharide-iron complexes enhanced surface charge may enhance their ability to interact with microbial surfaces and boost their antibacterial activity, especially against Gram-negative bacteria. The HUPFe( III) can improve the protective effects against hemolysis by stabilizing the membrane more effectively, perhaps as a result of iron coordinating with membrane lipids. The HUP-Fe(III) may exert a stronger or prolonged effect on the intrinsic coagulation pathway, potentially through enhanced interaction with clotting factors. The complex exerted enhanced antitumor activity against TNBC cells by reducing viability, inducing cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase, and collapsing mitochondrial membrane potential, likely through ROS-mediated apoptosis.

HUP-Fe(III) is a safe, multifunctional candidate for incorporation into functional foods or therapeutics addressing iron deficiency and oxidative stress-related disorders.