Chitins and chitosans for the repair of wounded skin, nerve, cartilage and bone

Soluble chitosan-carrageenan polyelectrolyte complexes and their gastroprotective activity

The soluble polyelectrolyte complexes (PEC) κ-carrageenan (κ-CG):chitosan was obtained. Binding constant value (2.11 × 10(7)mol(-1)) showed high affinity of κ-CG to chitosan. The complex formation of κ-CG:chitosan 1:10 and 10:1 w/w was shown by centrifugation in a Percoll gradient. Using atomic force microscopy we showed that the supramolecular structure of the complexes is different from each other and from the macromolecular structure of the initial polysaccharides. The gastroprotective and anti-ulcerogenic effect of κ-CG, chitosan and their complexes was investigated on the model of stomach ulcers induced by indometacin in rats. PEC κ-CG:chitosan have gastroprotective properties which depend on their composition. Complex κ-CG:chitosan 1:10 w/w possesses higher gastroprotective activity than the complex 10:1 w/w. These results suggest that the gastroprotective effect of complexes can be associated with their protective layer on the surface of the mucous membrane of a stomach, which avoids a direct contact with the ulcerogenic agent.

Optimization of recombinant hexaoligochitin-producing chitinase production with response surface methodology

Hexaoligochitin produced by chitinase, ASCHI61, from Aeromonas schubertii was recently expressed. In this work, the optimal conditions for the mass production of ASCHI61 were investigated. The efficiency of recombinant protein expression in Escherichia coli was determined by various parameters, including the pH of the culture medium, induction temperature, shaking speed, inducer concentration, and induction period. The optimization experiments could be simplified through a statistical design of experiments (response surface methodology). From the fractional factorial design, the interactive effect of induction temperature and time was the most significant. The total activity of the enzyme was 32,092 U at 23.9 °C with 115 min of induction. Under those conditions, the total activity of the recombinant protein was 30,650 U in the fermentation experiments, with an error of only 4.8%. The total activity of ASCHI61 increased 1.54-fold under the optimal conditions. Based on the results, ASCHI61 can be expressed more for hexaoligochitin production.

Evaluation of the effects of chitin nanofibrils on skin function using skin models

Chitins are highly crystalline structures that are predominantly found in crustacean shells. Alpha-chitin is composed of microfibers, which are made up of nanofibrils that are 2-5 nm in diameter and 30 nm in length and embedded in a protein matrix. Crystalline nanofibrils can also be prepared by acid treatment. We verified the effect of chitin nanofibrils (NF) and nanocrystals (NC) on skin using a three-dimensional skin culture model and Franz cells. The application of NF and NC to skin improved the epithelial granular layer and increased granular density. Furthermore, NF and NC application to the skin resulted in a lower production of TGF-β compared to that of the control group. NF and NC might have protective effects to skin. Therefore, their potential use as components of skin-protective formulations merits consideration.

Effect of silanization on chitosan porous scaffolds for peripheral nerve regeneration

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTE) silanization treatment for modification and biocompatibility of lyophilized chitosan porous scaffolds. The process is beneficial for biomaterial development due to its low toxicity and simplicity. The silanization treatment with low APTE concentration showed no significant influence on the morphology of chitosan scaffolds, while a skin-like surface was observed for the silanized scaffolds treated with high APTE concentration. The porosity and surface amino densities were increased after silanization whereas the swelling ratio was reduced, and the degradation ratio in PBS and anti-acid degradation properties of the silanized chitosan scaffolds were significantly improved. The in vitro Schwann cells culture demonstrated that the silanized scaffolds with 8% APTE could obviously facilitate the attachment and proliferation of Schwann cells, indicating great potential for the application in peripheral nerve regeneration.

Should chitosan and tranexamic acid be combined for improved hemostasis after sinus surgery?

Chitosan, a β-1,4-linked polymer of glucosamine with lesser amounts of N-acetylglucosamine, has well-recognized hemostatic properties. Chitosan is also able to open tight cellular junctions, facilitating paracellular drug transport and delivery. Chitosan, through topical application, facilitates the systemic delivery of analgesic drugs. Theoretically this ability could be used to enhance the local delivery of hemostatic drugs, such as tranexamic acid, improving chitosan's role as a topical dressing. Individually a chitosan-dextran gel and tranexamic acid have been shown to improve hemostasis after endoscopic sinus surgery. A combination of both should lead to improved hemostasis and better postsurgical outcomes. The use of a chitosan/tranexamic acid dressing could have a wide range of potential beneficial applications in a number of other clinical surgical settings. While the initial main application might be as an improved external hemostatic dressing, it should also be useful on a range of internal surgical wounds.

Exopolymers from Tolypothrix tenuis and three Anabaena sp. (Cyanobacteriaceae) as novel blood clotting agents for wound management

Rapid initiation of clotting is critical to trauma patients. In the present study exopolymers (EPs) from four desert cyanobacteria including Tolypothrix tenuis and three species of Anabaena have been discovered as potential hemostatic biomaterials. The EPs showed reduction in activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT) by 16-41% and 12-65%, respectively. Besides hastening blood clotting, the EPs could absorb 7.1-25.9 g H₂O g(-1) EP and displayed 7.1-18.1% hydrophobicity. They were noncytotoxic and biodegradable. The EP from Anabaena sp. showed strong antibacterial activity against E. coli, S. aureus and B. licheniformis. These results suggest that cyanobacteria, the microscopic phototrophs growing rapidly over simple mineral medium could prove to be a novel source of affordable hemostatic dressings for the traumatic wounds in underdeveloped and developing countries. Compositional analysis of the EPs showed them to be consisting of mainly carbohydrate (17-50%), protein (4.4-7.2%), uronic acid (4.7-9.5%) and sulphate (0.6-6.6%). Their viscometric molecular weight ranged from 539 to 3679 kDa. They were further characterized using GC-MS and FTIR.

Reduction of thrombogenicity of PVC-based sodium selective membrane electrodes using heparin-modified chitosan

Heparin-modified chitosan (H-chitosan) membrane was utilized to enhance biocompatibility of sodium selective membrane electrode based on the highly thrombogenic polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Sodium ion sensing film was prepared using PVC, sodium ionophore-X, potassium tetrakis(chlorophenyl)-borate, and o-nitrophenyloctylether. The PVC-based sensing film was sandwiched to chitosan or H-chitosan to prevent platelet adhesion on the surface of PVC. Potentiometric response characteristics of PVC-chitosan and PVC-H-chitosan membrane electrodes were found to be comparable to that of a control PVC based sodium-selective electrode. This indicates that chitosan and H-chitosan layers do not alter the response behaviour of the PVC-based sensing film. Biocompatibility of H-chitosan was confirmed by in vitro platelet adhesion study. The platelet adhesion investigations indicated that H-chitosan film is less thrombogenic compared to PVC, which could result in enhancement of biocompatibility of sodium selective membrane electrodes based on PVC, while maintaining the overall electrochemical performance of the PVC-based sensing film.

Chitosans for delivery of nucleic acids

Alternatives to efficient viral vectors in gene therapy are desired because of their poor safety profiles. Chitosan is a promising non-viral nucleotide delivery vector because of its biocompatibility, biodegradability, low immunogenicity and ease of manufacturing. Since the transfection efficiency of chitosan polyplexes is relatively low compared to viral counterparts, there is an impetus to gain a better understanding of the structure-performance relationship. Recent progress in preparation and characterisation has enabled coupling analysis of chitosans structural parameters that has led to increased TE by tailoring of chitosan's structure. In this review, we summarize the recent advances that have lead to a more rational design of chitosan polyplexes. We present an integrated review of all major areas of chitosan-based transfection, including preparation, chitosan and polyplexes physicochemical characterisation, in vitro and in vivo assessment. In each, we present the obstacles to efficient transfection and the strategies adopted over time to surmount these impediments.

Antibacterial hydrogel coating by electrophoretic co-deposition of chitosan/alkynyl chitosan

Despite much effort has been paid to develop aseptic implant devices, the infection associated with medical implant still remains a significant problem. Here, we report a potential coating material derived from a natural biopolymer chitosan. Firstly, chitosan functionalized with alkynyl moiety (ACS) was prepared by reaction between chitosan and 3-bromopropyne. The structure of the alkynyl chitosan was characterized by FT-IR, (1)H NMR, XRD, TGA and element analysis. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ACS with a degree of substitution (DS) of 0.40 was 0.03% against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Subsequently, the alkynyl chitosan was co-deposited with chitosan on stainless steel wire to fabricate a composite hydrogel. The composite hydrogel exhibited better antibacterial activities than pure chitosan hydrogel.

Fabrication and characterisation of α-chitin nanofibers and highly transparent chitin films by pulsed ultrasonication

α-Chitin nanofibers were fabricated with dried shrimp shells via a simple high-intensity ultrasonic treatment under neutral conditions (60 KHz, 300 W, pH=7). The diameter of the obtained chitin nanofibers could be controlled within 20-200 nm by simply adjusting the ultrasonication time. The pulsed ultrasound disassembled natural chitin into high-aspect-ratio nanofibers with a uniform width (19.4 nm after 30 min sonication). The EDS, FTIR, and XRD characterisation results verified that α-chitin crystalline structure and molecular structure were maintained after the chemical purification and ultrasonic treatments. Interestingly, ultrasonication can slightly increase the degree of crystallinity of chitin (from 60.1 to 65.8). Furthermore, highly transparent chitin films (the transmittance was 90.2% at a 600 nm) and flexible ultralight chitin foams were prepared from chitin nanofiber hydrogels.

Recent advances on the development of wound dressings for diabetic foot ulcer treatment--a review

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a chronic, non-healing complication of diabetes that lead to high hospital costs and, in extreme cases, to amputation. Diabetic neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, abnormal cellular and cytokine/chemokine activity are among the main factors that hinder diabetic wound repair. DFUs represent a current and important challenge in the development of novel and efficient wound dressings. In general, an ideal wound dressing should provide a moist wound environment, offer protection from secondary infections, remove wound exudate and promote tissue regeneration. However, no existing dressing fulfills all the requirements associated with DFU treatment and the choice of the correct dressing depends on the wound type and stage, injury extension, patient condition and the tissues involved. Currently, there are different types of commercially available wound dressings that can be used for DFU treatment which differ on their application modes, materials, shape and on the methods employed for production. Dressing materials can include natural, modified and synthetic polymers, as well as their mixtures or combinations, processed in the form of films, foams, hydrocolloids and hydrogels. Moreover, wound dressings may be employed as medicated systems, through the delivery of healing enhancers and therapeutic substances (drugs, growth factors, peptides, stem cells and/or other bioactive substances). This work reviews the state of the art and the most recent advances in the development of wound dressings for DFU treatment. Special emphasis is given to systems employing new polymeric biomaterials, and to the latest and innovative therapeutic strategies and delivery approaches.

A “green” industrial revolution: Using chitin towards transformative technologies

Even with the high costs of environmental exposure controls, as well as the chance of control failures, options for industries wanting to implement sustainability through frameworks such as green chemistry are not yet cost-effective. We foresee a “green” industrial revolution through the use of transformative technologies that provide cost-effective and sustainable products which could lead to new business opportunities. Through example, we promote the use of natural and abundant biopolymers such as chitin, combined with the solvating power of ionic liquids (ILs), as a transformative technology to develop industries that are overall better and more cost-effective than current practices. The use of shellfish waste as a source of chitin for a variety of applications, including high-value medical applications, represents a total byproduct utilization concept with realistic implications in crustacean processing industries.

Chitosan stabilizes platelet growth factors and modulates stem cell differentiation toward tissue regeneration

The idea of using chitosan as a functional delivery aid to support simultaneously PRP, stem cells and growth factors (GF) is associated with the intention to use morphogenic biomaterials to modulate the natural healing sequence in bone and other tissues. For example, chitosan-chondroitin sulfate loaded with platelet lysate was included in a poly(D,L-lactate) foam that was then seeded with human adipose-derived stem cells and cultured in vitro under osteogenic stimulus: the platelet lysate provided to the bone tissue the most suitable assortment of GF which induces the osteogenic differentiation of the mesenchymal stem cells. PDGF, FGF, IGF and TGF-β were protagonists in the repair of callus fractures. The release of GF from the composites of chitosan-PRP and either nano-hydroxyapatite or tricalcium phosphate was highly beneficial for enhancing MSC proliferation and differentiation, thus qualifying chitosan as an excellent vehicle. A number of biochemical characteristics of chitosan exert synergism with stem cells in the regeneration of soft tissues.

A new TGF-β3 controlled-released chitosan scaffold for tissue engineering synovial sheath

The post-operative outcome of flexor tendon healing remains limited by flexor tendon adhesion that reduces joint range of motion. Despite improvement in different methods, peritendinous adhesion formation continues to present a formidable challenge. Recent studies showed that transforming growth factor-β3 (TGF-β3) may be the key factor to reducing adhesion formation in skin or tendon. In this study, we designed a novel type of tissue engineering synovial sheath containing TGF-β3, to prevent flexor tendon adhesion. First, to achieve a stable release of TGF-β3, chitosan microspheres, prepared by crosslinking-emulsion, were used for the delivery of TGF-β3. Second, a three-dimensional chitosan scaffold was prepared by lyophilization, and TGF-β3 microspheres were carefully introduced into the scaffold. Then, synovial cells were cultured and then seeded into the TGF-β3 loaded scaffold to produce TGF-β3 controlled-released tissue engineering synovial sheath. Tests clearly demonstrated that the scaffold has good structure and compatibility with cells. These results expand the feasibility of combinative strategies of controlled protein release and tissue-engineered synovial sheath formation. Application of this scaffold to tendon repair sites may help to prevent adhesion of tendon healing.

In vivo laser assisted microvascular repair and end-to-end anastomosis by means of indocyanine green-infused chitosan patches: a pilot study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Laser-based repairing techniques offer several advantages respect to standard suturing in microsurgery. In this work we evaluate the applicability and feasibility of two innovative laser-based approaches for microvascular repair and anastomoses: (1) laser-assisted vascular repair (LAVR); (2) laser-assisted end-to-end vascular anastomosis (LAVA). All these procedures have been executed by the use of diode laser irradiation and chitosan-patches infused with Indocyanine Green (ICG).

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experiments were performed on 30 rabbits. Twenty animals underwent LAVR and 10 end-to-end LAVA procedures. In the LAVR group, a 5-mm longitudinal cut was performed on the common carotid artery (CCA), then an ICG-infused chitosan patch was topically applied and laser-soldered over the arterial lesion. In the LAVA group the end-to-end anastomosis was executed on CCA by means of application of the three interrupted sutures and subsequent laser soldering of the ICG-infused patch. Animals underwent different follow-up periods (2, 7, 30, and 90 days). At the end of every follow-up, the animals were re-anesthetized and a microdoppler analysis was performed in order to check patency of the treated vessels. Then soldered segments were excised and subjected to histological and ultrastructural evaluations.

RESULTS

At the end of surgery no bleeding from the treated segment was observed; all the treated vessels were patent. At the end of follow-up periods, no signs of perivascular haemorrhage were found. An intraoperative microdoppler evaluation assessed the patency of all the treated vessels. Histology showed a good reorganization of the vascular wall structures and an early endothelial regeneration was observed by SEM.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated the efficacy of laser tissue soldering by means of ICG-infused chitosan patches for the in vivo repairing of microvascular lesions and end-to-end anastomoses. This approach offers several advantages over conventional suturing methods and is technically easy to perform, minimizing the surgical trauma to vessels.

Evaluation of three-dimensional porous chitosan-alginate scaffolds in rat calvarial defects for bone regeneration applications

This study investigated the use of three-dimensional porous chitosan-alginate (CA) scaffolds for critical size calvarial defect (diameter, 5.0 mm) repair in Sprague-Dawley rats. CA scaffolds have been used for in vitro culture of many cell types and demonstrated osteogenesis in ectopic locations in vivo, but have yet to be evaluated for functional bone tissue engineering applications. CA scaffolds demonstrated the ability to support undifferentiated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in culture for 14 days in vitro and promoted spherical morphology. In vivo tests were performed using CA scaffolds and CA scaffolds with treatments including undifferentiated MSCs, bone marrow aspirate, and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) growth factor in comparison to unfilled bone defect used as a control. The samples were analyzed with MicroCT, histology, and immunohistochemical staining at 4 and 16 weeks. Partial defect closure was observed in all experimental groups at 16 weeks, with the greatest defect closure (71.56 ± 19.74%) in the animal group treated with CA scaffolds with BMP-2 (CA + BMP-2). The experimental samples demonstrated osteogenesis in histology and immunohistochemical staining, with the CA + BMP-2 group, showing the greatest level of osteogenesis. Tissue engineered CA scaffolds show promise in reconstruction of critical size bone defects.

Spinning of hydroalcoholic chitosan solutions

We investigated the spinning of hydroalcoholic chitosan solutions. The dope composition was optimized in order to obtain a continuous alcogel fiber by water evaporation on heating the extruded hydroalcoholic solution. This alcogel fiber was then neutralized in aqueous alkali baths and washed in water to eliminate the residual alcohol and salts before final drying. Depending on the alcohol content in the filament at the neutralization step, on specific alcohol-chitosan interactions and on the nature and concentration of the coagulation base, the process yielded semicrystalline chitosan fibers with different proportions of anhydrous and hydrated allomorphs. Contrarily to the classical annealing method, the formation of mainly anhydrous crystals was obtained without significant molecular weight decrease by neutralizing the polymer in hydrophobic conditions. The control of allomorph content was shown to be related to the hydrophobicity of the solvent (alcohol fraction) at the neutralization step.

Ultrathin chitosan-poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel films for corneal tissue engineering

Due to the high demand for donor corneas and their low supply, autologous corneal endothelial cell (CEC) culture and transplantation for treatment of corneal endothelial dysfunction would be highly desirable. Many studies have shown the possibility of culturing CECs in vitro, but lack potential robust substrates for transplantation into the cornea. In this study, we investigate the properties of novel ultrathin chitosan-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel films (CPHFs) for corneal tissue engineering applications. Cross-linking of chitosan films with diepoxy-PEG and cystamine was employed to prepare ~50 μm (hydrated) hydrogel films. Through variation of the PEG content (1.5-5.9 wt.%) it was possible to tailor the CPHFs to have tensile strains and ultimate stresses identical to or greater than those of human corneal tissue while retaining similar tensile moduli. Light transmission measurements in the visible spectrum (400-700 nm) revealed that the films were >95% optically transparent, above that of the human cornea (maximum ~90%), whilst in vitro degradation studies with lysozyme revealed that the CPHFs maintained the biodegradable characteristics of chitosan. Cell culture studies demonstrated the ability of the CPHFs to support the attachment and proliferation of sheep CECs. Ex vivo surgical trials on ovine eyes demonstrated that the CPHFs displayed excellent characteristics for physical manipulation and implantation purposes. The ultrathin CPHFs display desirable mechanical, optical and degradation properties whilst allowing attachment and proliferation of ovine CECs, and as such are attractive candidates for the regeneration and transplantation of CECs, as well as other corneal tissue engineering applications.

Rapidly in situ forming chitosan/ε-polylysine hydrogels for adhesive sealants and hemostatic materials

A novel in situ forming polysaccharides/polypeptide hydrogel composed of naturally derived materials for applications as adhesive sealant and hemostatic material was developed via Michael addition crosslinking, taking advantage of its mild condition. Thiol-modified chitosan (CSS) was fast in situ crosslinked by an efficient polypeptide crosslinker (EPLM) which was prepared by introducing maleimide groups onto ε-polylysine. Gelation can happen swiftly within 15-215s depending on the CSS concentration, the degree of substitution (DS) of maleimide groups, and the molar ratio of maleimide group to thiol group. Results indicated that storage modulus of the hydrogel increased dramatically with the increase of CSS concentration and DS of maleimide. The obtained adhesive hydrogel had an adhesion strength 4 times higher than that of the commercial fibrin glue. Notably, it is non-toxic to L929 cells and exhibits excellent prompt hemostatic property. Polysaccharides/polypeptide structure designed here facilitates to improve both the biocompatibility and the adhesive property.

Partially acetylated chitooligosaccharides bind to YKL-40 and stimulate growth of human osteoarthritic chondrocytes

Recent evidences indicating that cellular kinase signaling cascades are triggered by oligomers of N-acetylglucosamine (ChOS) and that condrocytes of human osteoarthritic cartilage secrete the inflammation associated chitolectin YKL-40, prompted us to study the binding affinity of partially acetylated ChOS to YKL-40 and their effect on primary chondrocytes in culture. Extensive chitinase digestion and filtration of partially deacetylated chitin yielded a mixture of ChOS (Oligomin™) and further ultrafiltration produced T-ChOS™, with substantially smaller fraction of the smallest sugars. YKL-40 binding affinity was determined for the different sized homologues, revealing micromolar affinities of the larger homologues to YKL-40. The response of osteoarthritic chondrocytes to Oligomin™ and T-ChOS™ was determined, revealing 2- to 3-fold increases in cell number. About 500 μg/ml was needed for Oligomin™ and around five times lower concentration for T-ChOS™, higher concentrations abolished this effect for both products. Addition of chitotriose inhibited cellular responses mediated by larger oligosaccharides. These results, and the fact that the partially acetylated T-ChOS™ homologues should resist hydrolysis, point towards a new therapeutic concept for treating inflammatory joint diseases.

The promotion of bone regeneration by nanofibrous hydroxyapatite/chitosan scaffolds by effects on integrin-BMP/Smad signaling pathway in BMSCs

In bone tissue engineering, a combination of biomimetic nanofibrous scaffolds with renewable stem cells has recently emerged as a new strategy for promoting bone regeneration. We have previously developed a biomimetic nanocomposite nanofibrous scaffold of hydroxyapatite/chitosan (nHAp/CTS) [1]. However, the mechanism behind the supportive function of the scaffolds has not yet been adequately explored. Here, we evaluated the effect of nHAp/CTS seeded with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on bone regeneration and examined the underlying mechanism in vitro and in vivo. The scaffolds of nHAp/CTS induced higher proliferation of BMSCs than membranous hydroxyapatite/chitosan (mHAp/CTS) and electrospun nanofibrous chitosan (nCTS) did. Interestingly, regardless the nanfibrous effect, nHAp/CTS and mHAp/CTS supported the spindle-shaped morphology, in contrast to the spherical shape of BMSCs on nCTS, indicating that HAp supports cell adhesion. Furthermore, the levels of the mRNA for Smad1, BMP-2/4, Runx2, ALP, collagen I, integrin subunits together with myosins were significantly up-regulated on nHAp/CTS whereas these genes were expressed at markedly low levels on mHAp/CTS and nCTS even in osteogenic medium. In addition, the critical proteins pSmad1/5/8 in BMP pathway showed clear nuclear localization and osteocalcin were significantly elevated on nHAp/CTS than mHAp/CTS (P < 0.01) and nCTS (P < 0.01). Similarly, the cells exhibited higher ALP activity on nHAp/CTS than mHAp/CTS (P < 0.01) and nCTS (P < 0.05). Therefore, the findings indicated the activating of intergrin-BMP/Smad signaling pathway of BMSCs on nHAp/CTS. Finally, in vivo, nHAp/CTS/BMSCs had a superior ability of bone reconstruction than other groups for cranial bone defects. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that nHAp/CTS scaffold promotes bone regeneration by supporting the adhesion, proliferation and activating integrin-BMP/Smad signaling pathway of BMSCs both in vitro and in vivo.

Orientational behaviors of liquid crystals coupled to chitosan-disrupted phospholipid membranes at the aqueous-liquid crystal interface

In this study, we investigated the orientational behavior of liquid crystals (LCs) which is associated with the chitosan-disrupted phospholipid membrane at the aqueous/LC interface. The optical response of LCs changed from dark to bright after the transfer of an aqueous solution of chitosan onto the LC interface decorated with self-assembled monolayers of a negatively charged phospholipid, dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-rac-(1-glycerol) sodium salt (DOPG). The chitosan-lipid interactions induced a rearrangement of the membrane, and thus, resulted in an orientational transition of LCs from a homeotropic to a planar state, thereby triggering a dark-to-bright shift in the optical response. We observed that LCs exhibited a bright-to-dark shift after an aqueous solution of lysozyme was transferred onto the chitosan-disrupted membrane, which implied that an enzymatic reaction between lysozyme and chitosan took place. We found that the addition of bovine serum album (BSA) induced a bright-to-dark change in the optical response; while LCs remained to appear bright after the transfer of chymotrypsin onto the aqueous/LC interface. We then further examined the interactions between other polyelectrolytes and phospholipid membranes.

The identification and characterization of chitotriosidase activity in pancreatin from porcine pancreas

The versatile oligosaccharide biopolymers, chitin and chitosan, are typically produced using enzymatic processes. However, these processes are usually costly because chitinases and chitosanases are available in limited quantities. Fortunately, a number of commercial enzymes can hydrolyze chitin and chitosan to produce long chain chitin or chitosan oligosaccharides. Here, a platform to screen for enzymes with chitinase and chitosanase activities using a single gel with glycol chitin or glycol chitosan as a substrate was applied. SDS-resistant chitinase and chitosanase activities were observed for pancreatin. Its chitotriosidase had an optimal hydrolysis pH of 4 in the substrate specificity assay. This activity was thermally unstable, but independent of 2-mercaptoethanol. This is the first time a chitotriosidase has been identified in the hog. This finding suggests that oligochitosaccharides can be mass-produced inexpensively using pancreatin.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of microporous chitosan hydrogel/nanofibrin composite bandage for skin tissue regeneration

In this work, we have developed chitosan hydrogel/nanofibrin composite bandages (CFBs) and characterized using Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The homogeneous distribution of nanofibrin in the prepared chitosan hydrogel matrix was confirmed by phosphotungstic acid-hematoxylin staining. The mechanical strength, swelling, biodegradation, porosity, whole-blood clotting, and platelet activation studies were carried out. In addition, the cell viability, cell attachment, and infiltration of the prepared CFBs were evaluated using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells. It was found that the CFBs were microporous, flexible, biodegradable, and showed enhanced blood clotting and platelet activity compared to the one without nanofibrin. The prepared CFBs were capable of absorbing fluid and this was confirmed when immersed in phosphate buffered saline. Cell viability studies on HUVECs and HDF cells proved the nontoxic nature of the CFBs. Cell attachment and infiltration studies showed that the cells were found attached and proliferated on the CFBs. In vivo experiments were carried out in Sprague-Dawley rats and found that the wound healing occurred within 2 weeks when treated with CFBs than compared to the bare wound and wound treated with Kaltostat. The deposition of collagen was found to be more on CFB-treated wounds compared to the control. The above results proved the use of these CFBs as an ideal candidate for skin tissue regeneration and wound healing.