In vitro and in vivo toxicity studies of Agrobacterium radiobacter k84 biopolymer (ARB)

Abstract

Sugar cane molasses is a cheaper carbon source alternative than glucose traditionally used in fermentation processes. In the present study a biopolymer soluble from Agrobacterium radiobacter k84 (ARB) was obtained by fermentation using sugar cane molasses as a carbon source in a process with yield of 10.0 g.L-1. The ARB is composed by minerals (40%), carbohydrate (35%) and protein (15%). In vitro test of the cytotoxic effect of ARB at concentrations 2.5 mg/mL, 5.0 mg/mL and 10.0 mg/mL in LLC MK2 (Rhesus Monkey Kidney) cells revealed a 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) of 9.32 mg/mL. In a 30-day in vivo oral toxicity study, Swiss mice were administered ARB by gavage at 5 mg/mL, 15 mg/mL, 50 mg/mL and 150 mg/mL (approximately 25 mg/kg/day, 75 mg/kg/day, 250 mg/kg/day and 750 mg/kg/day). The results did not present any hematological or histopathological signs of adverse effects, leading us to define the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) as 150 mg/mL (approximately 750 mg/kg/day).