Hydrophobization of cashew gum by acetylation mechanism and amphotericin B encapsulation

Cashew gum as future multipurpose biomacromolecules

The review highlights significant advances in delivery systems, with an emphasis on the use of cashew gum (CG), a natural polysaccharide extracted from Anacardium occidentale L., recognized for its remarkable biodegradability and versatility. CG has a wide range of applications spanning sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and biotechnology. This study examines research focused on the extraction, purification, and chemical modifications of CG, as well as its combination with other biopolymers to enhance physicochemical and mechanical properties. These strategies aim to optimize the gum's characteristics, allowing for the creation of innovative materials with improved performance, expanding its potential applications. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of recent research trends, focusing on the utilization of CG as a polymeric component in the development of biomaterials with diverse applications.

Plant gums in Pickering emulsions: A review of sources, properties, applications, and future perspectives

Recently, there has been an increasing research interest in the development of Pickering emulsions stabilized with naturally derived biopolymeric particles. In this regard, plant gums, obtained as plant exudates or from plant seeds, are considered promising candidates for the development of non-toxic, biocompatible, biodegradable and eco-friendly Pickering stabilizers. The main objective of this review article is to provide a detailed overview and assess the latest advances in the formulation of Pickering emulsions stabilized with plant gum-based particles. The plant gum sources, types and properties are outlined. Besides, the current methodologies used in the production of plant gum particles formed solely of plant gums, or through interactions of plant gums with proteins or other polysaccharides are highlighted and discussed. Furthermore, the work compiles and assesses the innovative applications of plant gum-based Pickering emulsions in areas such as encapsulation and delivery of drugs and active agents, along with the utilization of these Pickering emulsions in the development of active packaging films, plant-based products and low-fat food formulations. The last part of the review presents potential future research trends that are expected to motivate and direct research to areas related to other novel food applications, as well as tissue engineering and environmental applications.

Production of anti-inflammatory films based on cashew gum polysaccharide and polyvinyl alcohol for wound dressing applications

In the present study, we aimed to produce CGP/PVA films containing entrapped anti-inflammatory drugs for wound dressing applications. Using a 33-1 fractional factorial design, the effect of each component was evaluated on the physicochemical and morphological properties of the produced materials. The best formulation for entrapment of diclofenac sodium and ketoprofen was also determined. The produced films presented high swelling capacity, with some formulations showing o porous structure. CGP/PVA films showed a maximum retention of 75.6% for diclofenac sodium and 32.2% for ketoprofen, and both drugs were released in a controlled manner for up to 7 h. The drug release kinetic was studied, and the data were fitted using a Korsmeyer-Peppas model, which suggested that the release mechanism is controlled by diffusion. These results indicate that CGP/PVA-based matrices have great potential to be used as drug-delivery systems for wound dressing applications, contributing to prolonging the drug's action time and then improving their anti-inflammatory efficacy.

Insulin-loaded nanoparticles based on acetylated cashew gum/chitosan complexes for oral administration and diabetes treatment

Insulin is one of the most important drugs in the clinical treatment of diabetes. There is growing interest in oral insulin administration as it mimics the physiological pathway and potentially reduces side effects associated with subcutaneous injection. In this study, a nanoparticulate system was developed using acetylated cashew gum (ACG) and chitosan by the polyelectrolyte complexation method, for oral administration of insulin. The nanoparticles were characterized by size, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency (EE%). And they had a particle size of 460 ± 11.0 nm, PDI of 0.2 ± 0.021, zeta potential of 30.6 ± 0.48 mV, and an EE% of 52.5 %. Cytotoxicity assays were performed for HT-29 cell lines. It was observed that ACG and nanoparticles did not have a significant effect on cell viability, verifying their biocompatibility. Hypoglycemic effects of the formulation were analyzed in vivo, noting that the nanoparticles reduced blood glucose by 51.0 % of baseline levels after 12 h, not inducing signs of toxicity or death. Biochemical and hematological profiles were not clinically modified. Histological study indicated no signs of toxicity. Results showed that the nanostructured system presented itself as a potential vehicle for oral insulin release.

Films composed of white angico gum and chitosan containing chlorhexidine as an antimicrobial agent

Anadenanthera colubrina, popularly known as white angico, is a species extensively cultivated in Brazil, mainly in the cerrado region, including the state of Piauí. This study examines the development of films composed of white angico gum (WAG) and chitosan (CHI) and containing chlorhexidine (CHX), an antimicrobial agent. The solvent casting method was used to prepare films. Different combinations and concentrations of WAG and CHI were used to obtain films with good physicochemical characteristics. Properties such as the in vitro swelling ratio, the disintegration time, folding endurance, and the drug content were determined. The selected formulations were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction, and the CHX release time and antimicrobial activity were evaluated. CHX showed a homogenous distribution in all CHI/WAG film formulations. The optimised films showed good physicochemical properties with 80% CHX release over 26 h, which is considered promising for local treatment of severe lesions in the mouth. Cytotoxicity tests of the films did not show toxicity. The antimicrobial and antifungal effects were very effective against the tested microorganisms.

Synthesis of luminescent chitosan-based carbon dots for Candida albicans bioimaging

In this work, we used chitosan as a raw material to synthesize carbon dots using fast microwave carbonization. We studied the influence of the synthesis time, doping agent, and the molar ratio between the reactants on the quantum yield of carbon dots. Chitosan-based carbon dots displayed stable blue fluorescence emission with excitation-dependent behavior and quantum yield values ranging from 1.16 to 7.07 %. ANOVA results showed that the interaction factor between the doping agent and the molar ratio of the reactants was a significant combination to produce carbon dots with higher quantum yield. The presence of the doping agent improved the carbon dots optical properties by obtaining higher fluorescence intensity values. Confocal laser microscope images showed that the carbon dots internalized in the Candida albicans cellular membrane, exhibiting blue, green, and red emissions, acting as a promising agent for bioimaging.

Naturally and chemically acetylated polysaccharides: Structural characteristics, synthesis, activities, and applications in the delivery system: A review

Acetylated polysaccharides refer to polysaccharides containing acetyl groups on sugar units. In the past, the acetylation modification of wall polysaccharides has been a hot research topic for scientists. However, in recent years, many studies have reported that acetylation-modified plant, animal, and microbial polysaccharide show great potential in delivery systems. From the latest perspective, this review systematically presents the different sources of naturally acetylated polysaccharides, the regularity of their modification, the chemical preparation of acetylation modifications, the biological activities and functions of acetylated polysaccharides, and the application in the delivery system. In nature, acetylated polysaccharides are extensively distributed in plants, microorganism, and animals. The level of acetylation modification, the distribution of chains, and the locations of acetylation modification sites differ between species. An increasing number of acetylated polysaccharides were prepared in the aqueous medium, which is safe, environment friendly, and low-cost. In addition to being necessary for plant growth and development, acetylated polysaccharides have immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. The above-mentioned multiple sources, multifunctional and multi-active acetylated polysaccharides, make them an increasingly important part of delivery systems. We conclude by discussing the future directions for research and development and the potential uses for acetylated polysaccharides.

Effect of Acyl Chain Length on Hydrophobized Cashew Gum Self-Assembling Nanoparticles: Colloidal Properties and Amphotericin B Delivery

Given its many potential applications, cashew gum hydrophobic derivatives have gained increasing attraction in recent years. We report here the effect of acyl chain length on hydrophobized cashew gum derivatives, using acetic, propionic, and butyric anhydrides on self-assembly nanoparticle properties and amphotericin B delivery. Nanoparticles with unimodal particle size distribution, highly negative zeta potential, and low PDI were produced. Butyrate cashew gum nanoparticles presented smaller size (<~100 nm) than acetylated and propionate cashew gum nanoparticles and no cytotoxicity in murine fibroblast cells was observed up to 100 µg/mL for loaded and unloaded nanoparticles. As a proof of concept of the potential use of the developed nanoparticle as a drug carrier formulation, amphotericin B (AmB) was encapsulated and fully characterized in their physicochemical, AmB association and release, stability, and biological aspects. They exhibited average hydrodynamic diameter lower than ~200 nm, high AmB efficiency encapsulations (up to 94.9%), and controlled release. A decrease in AmB release with the increasing of the anhydride chain length was observed, which explains the differences in antifungal activity against Candida albicans strains. An excellent storage colloidal stability was observed for unloaded and loaded AmB without use of surfactant. Considering the AmB delivery, the acyl derivative with low chain length is shown to be the best one, as it has high drug loading and AmB release, as well as low minimum inhibitory concentration against Candida albicans strains.

Cashew Gum: A Review of Brazilian Patents and Pharmaceutical Applications with a Special Focus on Nanoparticles

Natural polysaccharides are structures composed of highly diversified biological macromolecules whose properties have been exploited by a diversity of industries. Until 2018, the polysaccharides market raised more than US $ 12 billion worldwide, while an annual growth forecast of 4.8% is expected by 2026. The food industry is largely responsible for the consumption of this plant-source material, produced by microbiological fermentation. Among the used polysaccharides, gums are hydrocolloids obtained from a variety of sources and in different forms, being composed of salts of calcium, potassium, magnesium and sugar monomers. Their non-toxicity, hydrophilicity, viscosity, biodegradability, biocompatibility and sustainable production are among their main advantages. Although Brazil is amongst the largest producers of cashew gum, reaching 50 tons per year, the polysaccharide is not being used to its full potential, in particular, with regard to its uses in pharmaceuticals. Cashew gum (CG), obtained from Anacardium occidentale L., caught the attention of the industry only in 1970; in 1990, its production started to grow. Within the Brazilian academy, the groups from the Federal University of Ceará and Piauí are devoting the most efforts to the study of cashew gum, with a total of 31 articles already published. The number of patents in the country for innovations containing cashew tree gum has reached 14, including the technological process for the purification of cashew tree gum, comparison of physical and chemical methods for physicochemical characterizations, and optimum purification methodology. This scenario opens a range of opportunities for the use of cashew gum, mainly in the development of new pharmaceutical products, with a special interest in nanoparticles.

Polysaccharide-Based Membrane Biocompatibility Study of Anacardium occidentale L. and Polyvinyl Alcohol after Subcutaneous Implant in Rats

Polymeric membranes are a viable and sustainable option for the biotechnology industry from an economic and environmental point of view. In this study, we evaluated tissue response and tolerance to the implantation of a polymeric membrane prepared with cashew gum polysaccharide (CGP) associated with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The objective was to characterize the biocompatibility of the CGP/PVA membrane in vivo. Following the evaluation criteria of the ISO 10993-6 standard, we demonstrated that the CGP/PVA membrane showed moderate tissue reaction, with a non-irritating ISO pattern, a thinner fibrous capsule, and a smaller amount of collagen compared to the positive control group. At 30 and 60 days, the membrane presented a similar amount of mast cells to that observed in the negative control group. The data demonstrate that the CGP/PVA membrane presents biocompatibility in accordance with the ISO 10993-6 standard.

Hyaluronic acid-Amphotericin B Nanocomplexes: a Promising Anti-Leishmanial Drug Delivery System

The development of an effective amphotericin B (AmB) formulation to replace actual treatments available for leishmaniasis, which present serious drawbacks, is a challenge. Here we report the development of hyaluronic...

Eco-friendly synthesis of phthalate angico gum towards nanoparticles engineering using Quality by Design (QbD) approach

We developed a new hydrophobic polymer based on angico gum (AG), and we produced new nanoparticles to expand the applications of natural polysaccharides in nanomedicine. Phthalate angico gum (PAG) was characterized by ¹H NMR, FTIR, elementary analysis, solubility, XRD, and TG. PAG was a hydrophobic and semi-crystalline material, a relevant characteristic for drug delivery system applications. As a proof of concept, nevirapine (NVP) was selected for nanoparticles development. Plackett-Burman's experimental design was used to understand the influence of several factors in nanoparticles production. PAG proved to be a versatile material for producing nanoparticles with different characteristics. Optimized nanoparticles were produced using desirability parameters. NVP-loaded PAG nanoparticles formulation showed 202.1 nm of particle size, 0.23 of PDI, -17.1 of zeta potential, 69.8 of encapsulation efficiency, and promoted modified drug release for 8 h. Here we show that PAG presents as a promising biopolymer for drug delivery systems.

Cashew Gum (Anacardium occidentale) as a Potential Source for the Production of Tocopherol-Loaded Nanoparticles: Formulation, Release Profile and Cytotoxicity

Every year, more than thirty thousand tons of Cashew gum (Anacardium occidentale, family: Anacardiaceae) are produced in Brazil; however, only a small amount is used for different applications in foodstuff and in pharmaceutical industries. As a raw material for the production of drug delivery systems, cashew gum is still regarded as an innovative compound worth to be exploited. In this work, cashew gum was extracted from the crude exudate of cashew tree employing four methodologies resulting in a light brown powder in different yields (40.61% to 58.40%). The total ashes (0.34% to 1.05%) and moisture (12.90% to 14.81%) were also dependent on the purification approach. FTIR spectra showed the typical bands of purified cashew gum samples, confirming their suitability for the development of a pharmaceutical product. Cashew gum nanoparticles were produced by nanoprecipitation resulting in particles of low polydispersity (<0.2) and an average size depending on the percentage of the oil. The zeta potential of nanoparticles was found to be below 20 mV, which promotes electrostatic stability. Encapsulation efficiencies were above 99.9%, while loading capacity increased with the increase of the percentage of the oil content of particles. The release of the oil from the nanoparticles followed the Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetics model, while particles did not show any signs of toxicity when tested in three distinct cell lines (LLC-MK2, HepG2, and THP-1). Our study highlights the potential added value of using a protein-, lignans-, and nucleic acids-enriched resin obtained from crude extract as a new raw material for the production of drug delivery systems.

Recent developments in biomolecule-based nanoencapsulation systems for antimicrobial delivery and biofilm disruption

Biomolecules are very attractive nanomaterial components, generally, due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, abundance, renewability, and sustainability, as compared to other resources for nanoparticle-based delivery systems. Biomolecule-based nanoencapsulation and nanodelivery systems can be designed and engineered for antimicrobial cargos in order to surmount classical and current challenges, including the emergence of multi-drug resistant strains of microorganisms, the low effectiveness and limitations in the applicability of the present antimicrobials, and biofilm formation. This feature article highlights the recent applications and capabilities of biomacromolecule-based nanomaterials for the delivery and activity enhancement of antimicrobials, and disruption of biofilms. Unique properties of some nanomaterials, arising from specific biomacromolecules, were also emphasized. We expect that this review will be helpful to researchers in engineering new types of antimicrobial nanocarriers, hybrid particles and colloidal systems with tailored properties.

Cashew Gum Polysaccharide Nanoparticles Grafted with Polypropylene Glycol as Carriers for Diclofenac Sodium

This investigation focuses on the development and optimization of cashew gum polysaccharide (CGP) nanoparticles grafted with polypropylene glycol (PPG) as carriers for diclofenac sodium. The optimization of parameters affecting nanoparticles formulation was performed using a central composite rotatable design (CCRD). It was demonstrated that the best formulation was achieved when 10 mg of CGP was mixed with 10 μL of PPG and homogenized at 22,000 rpm for 15 min. The physicochemical characterization evidenced that diclofenac was efficiently entrapped, as increases in the thermal stability of the drug were observed. The CGP-PPG@diclofenac nanoparticles showed a globular shape, with smooth surfaces, a hydrodynamic diameter around 275 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.342, and a zeta potential of -5.98 mV. The kinetic studies evidenced that diclofenac release followed an anomalous transport mechanism, with a sustained release up to 68 h. These results indicated that CGP-PPG nanoparticles are an effective material for the loading/release of drugs with similar structures to diclofenac sodium.

Poly(ε-caprolactone) grafted cashew gum nanoparticles as an epirubicin delivery system

Polysaccharide based copolymers have been the focus of several research, particularly for the development of drug delivery systems. This study reports on the preparation of nanoparticles from an amphiphilic copolymer obtained by the poly(ε-caprolactone) graft in the structure of cashew gum, via ring-opening polymerization. The synthesis of copolymers was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance. The copolymers exhibit self-organization capability in water, with critical association concentration of 42 and 50 μg mL^-1. The nanoparticle hydrodynamic diameters (212 and 202 nm) revealed a decreasing trend with increasing poly(ε-caprolactone) graft percentage. Epirubicin was used as an anticancer drug model and incorporated into the nanoparticles. The encapsulation efficiency reached 50% and 5.0% drug load. Nanoparticles showed an epirubicin controlled release profile, with maximum release of 93.0 ± 4.0% in 72 h, as well as excellent biocompatibility, according to hemolysis and cytotoxicity assays.

Microwave-initiated rapid synthesis of phthalated cashew gum for drug delivery systems

Chemical modification of polysaccharides is an important approach for their transformation into customized matrices that suit different applications. Microwave irradiation (MW) has been used to catalyze chemical reactions. This study developed a method of MW-initiated synthesis for the production of phthalated cashew gum (Phat-CG). The structural characteristics and physicochemical properties of the modified biopolymers were investigated by FTIR, GPC, ¹H NMR, relaxometry, elemental analysis, thermal analysis, XRD, degree of substitution, and solubility. Phat-CG was used as a matrix for drug delivery systems using benznidazole (BNZ) as a model drug. BNZ is used in the pharmacotherapy of Chagas disease. The nanoparticles were characterized by size, PDI, zeta potential, AFM, and in vitro release. The nanoparticles had a size of 288.8 nm, PDI of 0.27, and zeta potential of -31.8 mV. The results showed that Phat-CG has interesting and promising properties as a new alternative for improving the treatment of Chagas disease.

Self-assembling cashew gum-graft-polylactide copolymer nanoparticles as a potential amphotericin B delivery matrix

Amphotericin B is an antibiotic used in the treatment of fungal disease and leishmania; however, it exhibits side effects to patients, hindering its wider application. Therefore, nanocarriers have been investigated as delivery systems for amphotericin B (AMB) in order to decrease its toxicity, besides increase bioavailability and solubility. Amphiphilic copolymers are interesting materials to encapsulate hydrophobic drugs such as AMB, hence copolymers of cashew gum (CG) and l-lactide (LA) were synthesized using two different CG:LA molar ratios (1:1 and 1:10). Data obtained revealed that copolymer nanoparticles present similar figures for particle sizes and zeta potentials; however, particle size of encapsulated AMB increases if compared to unloaded nanoparticles. The 1:10 nanoparticle sample has better stability although higher polydispersity index (PDI) if compared to 1:1 sample. High amphotericin (AMB) encapsulation efficiencies and low hemolysis were obtained. AMB loaded copolymers show lower aggregation pattern than commercial AMB solution. AMB loaded nanoparticles show antifungal activities against four C. albicans strains. It can be inferred that cashew gum/polylactide copolymers have potential as nanocarrier systems for AMB.

Development of amphotericin B-loaded propionate Sterculia striata polysaccharide nanocarrier

This work was aimed at the production and characterization of a new nanocarrier based on a Sterculia striata polysaccharide (SSP) modified via acylation reaction with propionic anhydride. Nanocapsules of propionated SSP (PSSP) were produced via spontaneous nanoemulsification process and tested as a potential amphotericin B (AMB) nanocarrier. Stable nanoparticles with a very low polydispersity index (0.08-0.29) and high zeta potential (ζ -42.7 to -53.8 mV) were obtained. Particle size was dependent on the degree of substitution and ranged from 205 to 286 nm. A nanocapsule with a degree of substitution (DS) of 2.53 (NC_P 2.53) was selected for encapsulation, biocompatibility, and antifungal evaluation against Candida albicans strains. A maximum of 98.3% AMB encapsulation was achieved. Encapsulated AMB was in its monomeric form and showed good biocompatibility and antifungal activity against four C. albicans strains. Data indicate that PSSP has potential as a nanocarrier system for AMB.

Self-Assembled Carbohydrate Polymers for Food Applications: A Review

The self-assembled natural and synthetic polymers are booming. However, natural polymers obtained from native or modified carbohydrate polymers (CPs), such as celluloses, chitosan, glucans, gums, pectins, and starches, have had special attention as raw material in the manufacture of self-assembled polymer composite materials having several forms: films, hydrogels, micelles, and particles. The easy manipulation of the architecture of the CPs, as well as their high availability in nature, low cost, and being sustainable and green polymers have been the main positive points in the use of them for different applications. CPs have been used as building blocks for composite structures, and their easy orientation and ordering has given rise to self-assembled CPs (SCPs). These macromolecules have been little studied for food applications. Nonetheless, their research has grown mainly in the last 5 years as encapsulated food additive wall materials, food coatings, and edible films. The multifaceted properties (systems sensitive to pH, temperature, ionic strength, types of ions, mechanical force, and enzymes) of these devices are leading to the development of advanced food materials. This review article focused on the analysis of SCPs for food applications in order to encourage other research groups for their preparation and implementation.

Solvent-free synthesis of acetylated cashew gum for oral delivery system of insulin

Cashew gum (CG) is a biopolymer that presents a favorable chemical environment for structural modifications, which leads to more stable and resistant colloidal systems. The gum was subjected to an acetylation reaction using a fast, simple, solvent-free and low cost methodology. The derivative was characterized by infrared and NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, coefficient of solubility and zeta potential. The modified biopolymer was used as a platform for drug delivery systems using insulin as a model drug. Nanoparticles were developed through the technique of polyelectrolytic complexation and were characterized by size, surface charge, entrapment efficiency and gastrointestinal release profile. The nanoparticles presented size of 460 nm with a 52.5% efficiency of entrapment of insulin and the electrostatic stabilization was suggested by the zeta potential of + 30.6 mV. Sustained release of insulin was observed for up to 24 h. The results showed that acetylated cashew gum (ACG) presented potential as a vehicle for sustained oral insulin release.