Abstract
Nanoparticles, named cutinsomes, have been prepared from aleuritic (9,10,16-trihidroxipalmitic) acid and tomato fruit cutin monomers (a mixture of mainly 9(10),16-dihydroxypalmitic acid (85%, w/w) and 16-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid (7.5%, w/w)) with pectin in aqueous solution. The process of formation of the nanoparticles of aleuritic acid plus pectin has been monitored by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, while their chemical and morphological characterization was analyzed by ATR-FTIR, TEM, and non-contact AFM. The structure of these nanoparticles can be described as a lipid core with a pectin shell. Pectin facilitated the formation of nanoparticles, by inducing their aggregation in branched chains and favoring the condensation between lipid monomers. Also, pectin determined the self-assembly of cutinsomes on highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surfaces, causing their opening and forming interconnected structures. In the case of cutin monomers, the nanoparticles are fused, and the condensation of the hydroxy fatty acids is strongly affected by the presence of the polysaccharide. The interaction of pectin with polyhydroxylated fatty acids could be related to an initial step in the formation of the plant biopolyester cutin.
Highlights
The cuticle is a composite membrane that covers the epidermis of non-lignified aerial parts of plants [1]
Presence of nanoparticles was monitored by the titration curves of the solutions of aleuritic acid and aleuritic acid:pectin mixtures at different ratios (24:1, 12:1, and 6:1, w/w) and the measurement of opalescence, Fig 1
The 24:1 (w/w) sample of aleuritic acid:pectin was very similar, but the turning point was shifted to pH 6.6
Summary
The cuticle is a composite membrane that covers the epidermis of non-lignified aerial parts of plants [1]. It is an effective barrier against massive water loss, pathogen and fungal infection and UV radiation. It prevents organ fusion, provides mechanical support and, in some cases, self-cleaning surfaces [2,3]. The plant cuticle is composed by an amorphous and insoluble matrix named cutin, polysaccharides from the cell wall As consequence of its abundance in nature and of its above-mentioned properties, it is starting to be considered a source of lipid monomers as well as a model to produce new bio-inspired materials [7,8,9,10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
