Thermal treatment of semi-dilute aqueous xanthan solutions yields weak gels with properties resembling hyaluronic acid

Model for the Temperature-Induced Conformational Change in Xanthan Polysaccharide

Xanthan is an extracellular bacterial polysaccharide. It is manufactured commercially by fermentation of Xanthomonas campestris and used extensively in food and other industries to control the viscosity and texture of various products. Its useful properties stem from its occurrence both as a relatively rigid double-helical polymer and as a branched polymer network presumably crosslinked by the same noncovalent interactions that stabilize the double-helical form. Interconversion of these two forms can be achieved through heating and cooling processes. This paper describes a model for this thermally induced transformation under conditions of very dilute aqueous polymer concentration, where the characteristics of double-helical and crosslinked aggregates can be studied experimentally using light scattering. Because xanthan is a regularly repeating copolymer, there is no requirement for specific registration of the two strands of the duplex structure as is required in naturally occurring nucleic acid double helices. Here, we demonstrate the important role of the resulting xanthan structural degeneracy in dictating the characteristics of the temperature-induced conformational transition.

Bio-sourced polymers in cosmetic emulsions: a hidden potential of the alginates as thickeners and gelling agents

OBJECTIVE

The present work aims to investigate the impact of the alginates on the texture properties of cosmetic emulsions. For this purpose, five systems were selected: a classical emulsion without polymer and four emulsions containing polymers, as texture modifiers, at the level of 1%. Two different grades of alginates were chosen: one rich in mannuronic acid and one rich in guluronic acid. The objective was also to evaluate the potential of in-situ gelation during formulation. The guluronic rich sample was gelled to evaluate the effect on the texture properties. Finally, alginates-based systems were compared to the xanthan gum as a bio-sourced polymer reference.

METHODS

The sensory profile of the systems was established through a combination of prediction models and sensory analysis. The emulsion residual films obtained with natural polymers, Alginates and Xanthan Gum used as thickeners, as well as with the gelled version, were similar. However, the structural differences between polymers intervene during the characterisation of the sensory properties "before" and "during" application. A multi-scale physicochemical analysis was used to explain these differences.

RESULTS

Due to a controlled formulation process, the use of the polymers did not affect the microstructure of the emulsion which remained similar to the control one. The main impact of the polymers was observed on the macroscopic level: both alginates showed their unique textural signature, different from the classical Xanthan Gum. Due to weak structural differences, mechanical and textural properties were very close between the mannuronic rich and guluronic rich samples, when not gelled, compared to other emulsions. However, the molar mass and the mannuronic/guluronic acids ratio were proved to be crucial for the stretching and consistency properties, showing that this structural difference may have an impact when products are handled in traction and compression.

CONCLUSION

Meanwhile, the viscoelastic properties and the dynamic viscosity were greatly increased for the emulsion containing the gelled version of the alginate when compared to the classical polymers. The emulsion was also more consistent as proved by the textural analysis, pointing at better stability and suspension potential of the gelled emulsion versus the classical one containing the usual natural thickening agents.

Design and Evaluation of Voriconazole Eye Drops for the Treatment of Fungal Keratitis

Voriconazole is a novel antifungal agent with excellent broad spectrum activity commercially available for oral and intravenous administration. The purpose of this study was to prepare ophthalmic formulation of hydroxypropyl beta cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) based voriconazole containing benzalkonium chloride BAK and EDTA with or without viscosity modifiers and study its permeation characteristics through freshly excised goat cornea. The results were observed that viscosity and force of bioadhesion of the voriconazole HP-β-CD solutions containing xanthan gum (XG) are more as compared to polyvinyl alcohol. The results revealed that voriconazole drop containing PVA provided least viscosity and higher corneal permeation of drug, while drop formulated with XG had maximum viscosity and least permeation. The HP-β-CD based voriconazole (1.5%) ophthalmic formulation containing xanthan gum (1.5), preserved with BAK and EDTA, could provide shelf life of 2 years. The microbiological studies showed that voriconazole ophthalmic solution containing xanthan gum shows better antifungal activity as compared to voriconazole and xanthan gum alone. Thus, it can be concluded that HP-β-CD based voriconazole (1.5%, pH 7.0) ophthalmic solution containing BAK and EDTA with viscosity modifier XG provided maximum precorneal residence time as compared to other viscosity modifiers and polyvinyl alcohol provided less precorneal residence time than other viscosity modifiers.

Structural Changes in Xanthan Gum Solutions During Steam Sterilization for Sterile Preparations

Steam sterilization of xanthan gum solutions at 121 degrees C caused a decrease in the helix conformation as well as the molecular weight distribution with a corresponding increase in the coil structure. The effect was directly related to the exposure time and inversely to the xanthan gum concentration, thus suggesting a two-step mechanism of disentanglement followed by degradation with the first step being predominant at higher concentrations. Mark-Houwink exponent of 0.9002 for the intrinsic viscosity of xanthan gum compared favorably with reported values in the literature. The model for intrinsic viscosity of a free draining coil yielded an expansion coefficient of 1.2 (independent of molecular weight) and a root mean square radius of unperturbed chain in the range of 189.5-368 nm. The root mean square unperturbed chain length increased with molecular weight without reaching an asymptotic value, thus indicating that the xanthan molecule behaved as a stiff chain.

Effect of steam sterilization on the rheology of polymer solutions

The effect of steam sterilization (dwell@121 degrees C) on the apparent viscosity of solutions of carbomer 940P, guar gum, hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), and xanthan gum was studied. Guar gum and carbomer 940P could be steam sterilized for 30 min without any change in the apparent viscosity. Steam sterilization of HEC and xanthan gum resulted in a substantial decrease in the apparent viscosity and the desirable shear-thinning rheology. The addition of sodium chloride to either polymer prior to steam sterilization diminished the effect of sterilization on the rheology. The apparent viscosity of xanthan solutions was not significantly affected if the solution was made isotonic with sodium chloride (0.15 M). The addition of sodium chloride to xanthan gum after steam sterilization resulted in full recovery of the initial rheological properties. Carbomers, guar gum, and xanthan (in 0.15 M NaCI) are candidates for use in pharmaceutical solutions/suspensions that are subjected to steam sterilization.

Molecular characterization of two host-guest associating hyaluronan derivatives

Molecular characteristics were determined of two high-molecular-weight water-soluble hyaluronan derivatives, namely beta-cyclodextrin (HA-beta-CD) and N-acylurea (EDC-HA). The weight-average molecular weight (M(w)) of HA-beta-CD and of EDC-HA, determined with a multi-angle light scattering detector connected on-line to a size exclusion chromatographic system, was respectively 185.3 and 86.8 kDa. However the M(w) value determined for the equimolar mixture of the two HA derivatives equaled 556.0 kDa. Similarly, the gyration radius of the above equimolar mixture, Rg = 80.6 nm, was significantly greater than the values found for the single HA derivative, i.e. 40.2 nm for HA-beta-CD and 23.8 nm for EDC-HA. These data indicate that the two kinds of substituents, bound to the polymeric chains, form host-guest/inclusion complexes resulting in polymacromolecular associates/aggregates.

Optimisation of carbomer viscous eye drops: an in vitro experimental design approach using rheological techniques

The optimisation of the in vitro interaction between several poly(acrylic acid) derivatives (Carbopol 1342P NF, Carbopol 974P and Carbopol 980 NF) and mucin was performed by an analysis technique combining oscillatory shear rheology and experimental design in order to improve the formulation of carbomer viscous eye drops.First, standard oscillation procedures were used to characterise the polyacrylic acid and mucin dispersions, and to investigate the influence of several polymer-related factors (concentration, preparation, type of polymer used) on the rheological properties. Second, an experimental plan design was developed to investigate the effect of polymer-related factors on the mucoadhesive indexes (MAI(G') and MAI(G")) which were calculated using the viscoelastic data obtained from polymer/mucin, polymer/tearfluid and mucin/tearfluid mixtures. Optimal mucoadhesive interactions were determined based on the experimental design results. Finally, the optima were fully characterised rheologically to further verify the mucoadhesive capacity. The main conclusion is that the factor influencing most explicitly the mucoadhesive interaction of the viscous eye drop is the mucin concentration and neither the type of polyacrylic acid, nor its concentration.

Xanthan and glucomannan mixtures: synergistic interactions and gelation

The synergistic interaction between xanthan and glucomannan in solution and in the gel phase has been studied by circular dichroism spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The study in solution of the polysaccharidic mixture indicates a preferred stoichiometry of the interaction corresponding to a weight fraction of xanthan around 0.55. This finding is in reasonable agreement with the differential scanning calorimetry measurements carried out on the gel phase. Models from conformational analysis based on these results were formulated in terms of 1:1 and 2:1 Konjac glucomannan/xanthan molecular assemblies. The experimental and calculation results clearly indicate the involvement of the side chains of xanthan and suggest that the ordered portions of the macromolecular complex in solution act in the gel phase as junction zones.

The use of xanthan gum in an ophthalmic liquid dosage form: rheological characterization of the interaction with mucin

The development of an ocular dosage form containing xanthan gum and capable of interacting with mucin in the precorneal area is a challenge. The polymer concentration that can be applied is restricted because of the limited patient acceptability of highly viscous preparations. The precorneal mucin concentration is low and the high ionic strength of the lachrymal fluid forces xanthan gum in an ordered structure, less capable of interacting through heterotypic junctions. Intrinsic viscosity measurements and shear rheometry are used to investigate the effect of several factors (polymer concentration, additional boiling or sonication step to the preparation procedure) on the physicochemical properties of xanthan gum and the degree of interaction with a low (8%, w/v) and high (16.0%, w/v) concentrated mucin dispersion. Independent of the preparation procedure applied, a xanthan gum concentration of 1.0% (w/v) is required to obtain a measurable interaction with mucin. If an extra boiling or sonication step is added to the standard preparation procedure, the minimum mucin concentration necessary to achieve formation of heterotypic junctions is decreased. Only by sonication of the highly concentrated xanthan gum dispersion is the viscosity decreased to a level that is tolerable and comfortable to the patient. The findings of the present study clearly demonstrate that a significant interaction between a tolerable and comfortable ocular dosage form containing xanthan gum, and mucin 8% (w/v), is feasible after sonication of a highly concentrated polymer dispersion.

Thermal denaturation and renaturation of a fermentation broth of xanthan: rheological consequences

The rheological properties of an unpasteurised and concentrated xanthan fermentation broth (c = 30 g/l 0.02 M in salt) were studied before heat treatment and after a thermal heating/cooling cycle performed at various polymer concentration conditions (10-30 g/l). At concentrations below 10 g/l heat denaturation occurs with dissociation of the native double-stranded structure into two single strands. At higher concentration, no complete dissociation happens. Changes in both viscoelastic properties and molecular weight are observed after heating above the melting order-disorder temperature (Tm). They are related to the order disorder conformational transition of the xanthan molecules. Xanthan renatured in concentrated conditions (above 10 g/l) has a higher viscosity than that of the native sample and displays more gel-like properties. The inhibition of the dissociation in two single strands in the high concentration range is attributed to the presence of nematic phases observed by viscoelastic measurements and apolar microdomains evidenced by the addition of a neutral detergent.

Imaging of individual biopolymers and supramolecular assemblies using noncontact atomic force microscopy

A variety of biopolymers is imaged using noncontact atomic force microscopy. Samples are prepared by aerosol spray deposition of aqueous solutions on freshly cleaved mica followed by air drying. The distributions of contour lengths and chain or fibril thicknesses normal to the mica substrate can be measured for individual polymer molecules or molecular assemblies. In many cases it is possible to conclude that the structures imaged and quantitatively analyzed are representative of those present in solution and not artifacts of the deposition/dessication process. Imaging of linear and cyclic triple helices of the polysaccharide scleroglucan is demonstrated. Measurements of the triple helix thickness normal to the mica surface are analyzed, and successful measurements of the molecular weight distribution and mean molar mass are described. It is demonstrated that the extent of chain association in the polysaccharide xanthan can be modulated by the addition of low molecular weight salts. The contour length and chain thickness distributions in a xanthan fraction are presented. Increases in the extent of chain association with increasing polymer concentration are documented for the gelling polysaccharide gellan, and the formation of stiff fibrillar gellan aggregates in the presence of added low molecular salt is demonstrated. Images are presented of the polysaccharide kappa-carrageenan in its disordered, and presumably single-stranded, state. Biopolymers other than polysaccharides can be imaged by the same technique; this is demonstrated with the fibrous protein collagen. In general it is shown that aerosol spray deposition of biopolymer samples can be used in conjunction with noncontact atomic force microscopy to provide a fast, reliable, and reproducible method for assessing the size and shape distributions of individual biological macromolecules and macromolecular assemblies in solution with a minimum of time and effort devoted to sample preparation.

Conformations and flexibility of native and re-natured xanthan in aqueous solutions

The conformation and flexibility of sonicated 'native' and 're-natured' xanthan have been investigated by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) with coupled multi-angle light scattering and viscosity detectors. 'Native' xanthan (NX) refers to xanthan dissolved in moderate ionic strength aqueous solution, which has not been exposed either to high temperature or very low ionic strength, and 're-natured' xanthan (RX) here refers to xanthan which has been heated above the conformational melting temperature and then recooled. The mass distributions of the NX and RX are virtually identical, implying that the RX does not involve aggregates of, or disassociated fragments of, NX. The flexibilities and conformations between NX and RX, however, are strikingly different; RX is far stiffer than NX, the persistence lengths being roughly 1000 A and 300 A, respectively, and the mass per unit length M/L of the RX is roughly double that of NX. With estimated M/L of 200 Da/A and 98 Da/A, respectively, the results strengthen the notion that RX is double stranded, whereas as NX appears single stranded. The nature and mechanism of formation of the double-stranded form is still unclear, and a few speculative scenarios are suggested. Finally, preliminary results on the kinetics of xanthan self-association in HCI are presented which illustrate the complexity of such processes in xanthan.

Native ordered structure of welan polysaccharide: conformational transitions and gel formation in aqueous dimethyl sulphoxide

Welan, in aqueous solution, has "weak gel" properties analogous to those of ordered xanthan but, unlike xanthan, shows no evidence of conformational change between 0 and 100 degrees C. When the polymer is dissolved in dimethyl sulphoxide (Me2SO) rather than in water, however, there is a massive decrease in viscosity and total loss of gel-like character. In mixtures of the two solvents, the change in rheology occurs over a narrow range of composition (approximately 85-90% v/v Me2SO for 0.5% welan). On heating and cooling in a solvent close to the lower end of the critical range (86% Me2SO), the polymer shows typical order-disorder and disorder-order transitions [as monitored by optical rotation, differential scanning calorimetry, and temperature-course of rheological change]. When solutions of disordered welan in Me2SO are poured into excess water they form cohesive strings of gel. We interpret these results as showing that: (1) the stable conformation of welan in water is the double helix structure identified by X-ray fibre diffraction in the solid state; (2) in native welan, as biosynthesised, the strands are perfectly paired, and ordered along their full length; (3) on exposure to high concentrations of Me2SO, the native structure is dissociated into disordered coils; (4) rapid renaturation from the disordered state gives shorter helices, with exchange of partners to form a stable cross-linked network.