High Molecular Weight Chitosan Research Articles

THE INFLUENCE OF CHITOSANES ON THE DYNAMICS OF THE CONTENT OF PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS IN TOMATO LEAVES

The aim of this work was to study the influence of chitosans of different molecular weight on the dynamics of the content of phenolic compounds in tomato plants of the 'Zagadka' variety. In the experiment, tomato plants treated with chitosan with a molecular weight of 50-190 kDa and 310-375 kDa were studied. Using the method of high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), biochemical profiling of the extracts of the studied plants was performed. Differences in the primary reactions of plants to chitosans of different molecular weights were revealed. Low molecular chitosan caused a significant increase in the content of phenols and, accordingly, increased the antioxidant potential of leaf tissues. The increase in the content of phenols in response to the action of low-molecular-weight chitosan occurs due to the activation of phenylpropanoid synthesis and an increase in the total antioxidant potential, which indicates the mobilization of the plant organism against a potential pathogen. Thus, an hour after the treatment of plants with a solution of low molecular weight chitosan, the content of rutin in the leaves was 3.36 mg/g, and after 18 hours - 5.56 mg/g. The content of chlorogenic and caffeic acids in the leaves increased in 12 hours. In 18 hours, the content of chlorogenic acid was 1.64 mg/g, and caffeic acid was 0.18 mg/g. This may be due to the gradual decomposition of chlorogenic acid into its constituent components under the influence of low molecular weight chitosan, which is accompanied by the release of caffeic acid. A positive correlation was established between the pool of chlorogenic and caffeic acid (r = 0.995; p < 0.06). Therefore, depending on the molecular weight, chitosan causes significant changes in the synthesis of phenylpropanoids and biochemical transformation of complex and simple esters of hydroxycinnamic acids in tomato plants. The high-molecular chitosan solution caused a decrease in the number of compounds with high antioxidant potential in tomato leaves, which indicates the activation of another plant defense system. The content of rutin in leaves treated with high-molecular-weight chitosan after 18 hours was 1.32 mg/g, which is four times less compared to the treatment of plants with low-molecular-weight chitosan. At the same time, in response to treatment with high molecular weight chitosan, the content of caffeic acid in the leaves increased significantly. The decrease in the content of phenols is associated with the isolation of tissues from a potential threat, which is aimed at its neutralization. The result of such a reaction is the oxidation of phenolic compounds, additional lignification and suberinization of cell walls. The activation of various induced immunity reactions in the plant organism already in the first hours after eating low-molecular or high-molecular chitosan indicates the existence of a system of differential recognition of complex bipolymers by plants.

Cytotoxicity on Cancer Cells according to Average Molecular Weight of Chitosan Hydrolysates

To confirm the molecular characteristics of chitooligosaccharides (COS) derived from the hydrolysis of high molecular weight chitosan (HMWC), measuring average molecular weight (MW) using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and their cytotoxicity was confirmed by treatment with several cancer cells. To evaluate the cytotoxicity of Chi-S according to different MW on various cancer cells, two types of chitooligosaccharide (COS) named Chi-S and COS-S were subjected in a concentration-dependent manner. It was divided into chitinous active substance (Chi-S) containing N-acetylglucosamine and chitosan oligosaccharide substance (COS-S), respectively. The average MW of Chi-S obtained by enzymatic treatment of HMWC for 24 h was confirmed to be about 2.7 kDa. Chi-S showed no cytotoxicity against all treated cancer cells. However, rather than showing cytotoxicity in immune macrophages RAW264.7, significant cell proliferation was observed. On the other hand, COS-S (average MW of approximately 7.3-kDa) obtained by enzymatic treatment of HMWC for 12 h showed significant cytotoxicity against all cancer cells including immune macrophages RAW264.7 at a high concentration range of 100 mg/mL or more. Furthermore, no significant changes were observed in breast cancer cells and normal cells treated with the control group. Therefore, based on the results, we estimate that Chi-S may be involved in indirect anticancer activity by selective or adaptive immunological activity according to the molecular characteristics. Our data will be a good guide for subsequent studies that can focus on the particular activity of molecules according to the difference between chitosan MW and the deacetylation degree (DD) of HMWC.

Antidiabetic Properties of Chitosan and Its Derivatives.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder. In addition to taking medication, adjusting the composition of the diet is also considered one of the effective methods to control the levels of blood glucose. Chitosan and its derivatives are natural and versatile biomaterials with health benefits. Chitosan has the potential to alleviate diabetic hyperglycemia by reducing hepatic gluconeogenesis and increasing skeletal muscle glucose uptake and utility. Scientists also focus on the glucose-lowering effect of chitosan oligosaccharide (COS). COS supplementation has the potential to alleviate abnormal glucose metabolism in diabetic rats by inhibiting gluconeogenesis and lipid peroxidation in the liver. Both high and low molecular weight chitosan feeding reduced insulin resistance by inhibiting lipid accumulation in the liver and adipose tissue and ameliorating chronic inflammation in diabetic rats. COS can reduce insulin resistance but has less ability to reduce hepatic lipids in diabetic rats. A clinical trial showed that a 3-month administration of chitosan increased insulin sensitivity and decreased body weight and triglycerides in obese patients. Chitosan and COS are considered Generally Recognized as Safe; however, they are still considered to be of safety concerns. This review highlights recent advances of chitosan and its derivatives in the glucose-lowering/antidiabetic effects and the safety.

Environmentally hazard and toxic exoskeletons of marine crustaceans wastes in synthesizing N-deacetylated chitin

High molecular weight chitosan was synthesized from shrimp shells. Chemical structure of chitosan was confirmed using FT-IR, XRD, TGA, and SEM analyses. Physicochemical properties of chitosan such as molecular weight (800 000 g/mol), deacetylation degree (80%), ash content (1%) indicating effectiveness of demineralization step in removing minerals, water binding capacity (4220%), and fat binding capacity (537%), were determined. FT-IR spectra exhibited characteristic joint band at 3365 cm-1 due to –OH and –NH2 regarding to the conversion of chitin acetyl group to NH2 of chitosan.

Chitosan-Based Edible Coatings Containing Essential Oils to Preserve the Shelf Life and Postharvest Quality Parameters of Organic Strawberries and Apples during Cold Storage.

Edible coatings and films have been researched for more than three decades due to their ability to be incorporated with different functional ingredients or compounds as an option to maintain the postharvest quality of fruits and vegetables. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of three types of chitosan-based (CH) edible coatings obtained from medium and high molecular weight chitosan, containing ascorbic or acetic acid and sea buckthorn or grape seed essential oils on the physical-chemical and microbiological properties of organic strawberries and apple slices during cold storage at 4 °C and 8 °C. Scanning electron microscope images showed both a smooth structure and a fracture and pore structure on strawberry coatings and a dense and smooth structure on the apple slices coatings. Further, the edible coatings managed to reduce the microbial load of yeasts and molds of the coated strawberries during the storage period. Overall, the treatments preserved the ascorbic acid, total polyphenol content, and antioxidant activity for all the tested samples compared to the control sample, throughout the storage period. In addition, the water activity (aw) of the coated samples presented lower values (0.96-0.98) than the control samples. The obtained results indicate that the developed chitosan-based edible coatings could maintain the postharvest parameters of the tested samples, also leading to their shelf-life prolongation.

Assessment of chitosan antimicrobial effect on wine microbes

Chitosan is an active highly charged polysaccharide that has initially been developed in oenology to eliminate the spoilage yeast B. bruxellensis. However, different forms of chitosan exist, some complying with EU regulation for their use in wines, others not. Moreover, with the trend in oenology of limiting SO2, more and more questions arise as to the impact of chitosan on other microorganisms of the grape and wine environment.We investigated the antimicrobial efficiency of chitosan on a large oenological microbial collection, englobing technological as well as spoilage microorganisms. Results show that most species are affected at least transiently. Furthermore, a high variability prevails within most species and sensitive, intermediate and tolerant strains can be observed. This study also highlights different efficiencies depending on the wine parameters or the winemaking stage, giving important indications on which winemaking issues can be solved using chitosan.Chitosan treatment does not seem to be appropriate to limit the musts microbial pressure and Saccharomyces cerevisiae cannot be stopped during alcoholic fermentation, especially in sweet wines. Likewise, acetic acid bacteria are poorly impacted by chitosan. After alcoholic fermentation, chitosan can efficiently limit non-Saccharomyces yeast and lactic acid bacteria but special care should be given as to whether malolactic fermentation is wanted or not. Indeed, O. oeni can be severely impacted by chitosan, even months after treatment.Finally, this study highlights the crucial importance of the chitosan type used in its efficiency towards microbial stabilization. While a high molecular weight chitosan has limited antimicrobial properties, a chitosan with a much lower one, complying with EU and OIV regulation and specifications for its use in wine is much more efficient.

Production of Low Molecular Weight Chitosan Using a Combination of Weak Acid and Ultrasonication Methods.

Low molecular weight chitosan (LMWC) has higher solubility and lower viscosity allowing for a wider pharmaceutical application compared to high molecular weight chitosan. LMWC chitosan can be obtained through a chitosan depolymerization process. This research aimed to produce LWMC using the combination of formic acid and ultrasonication method with the optimal condition of the depolymerization process. The chitosan depolymerization method was performed by combining formic acid and ultrasonication. The optimum conditions of the depolymerization process were obtained using the Box–Behnken design. The LMWC obtained from depolymerization was characterized to identify its yield, degree of deacetylation, the molecular weight, structure, morphology, thermal behavior, and crystallinity index. Results: The characterization results of LWMC obtained from the depolymerization process using the optimum conditions showed that the yield was 89.398%; the degree of deacetylation was 98.076%; the molecular weight was 32.814 kDa; there was no change in the chemical structure, LWMC had disorganized shape, there was no change in the thermal behavior, and LWMC had a more amorphous shape compared to native chitosan. Conclusion: The production of LWMC involving depolymerization in the presence of weak acid and ultrasonication can be developed by using the optimal condition of the depolymerization process.

First Insights into the Antiviral Activity of Chitosan-Based Bioactive Polymers towards the Bacteriophage Phi6: Physicochemical Characterization, Inactivation Potential, and Inhibitory Mechanisms.

The outbreak of the worrisome coronavirus disease in 2019 has caused great concern among the global public, especially regarding the need for personal protective equipment with applied antiviral agents to reduce the spread and transmission of the virus. Thus, in our research, chitosan-based bioactive polymers as potential antiviral agents were first evaluated as colloidal macromolecular solutions by elemental analysis and charge. Three different types of low and high molecular weight chitosan (LMW Ch, HMW Ch) and a LMW Ch derivative, i.e., quaternary chitosan (quart-LMW Ch), were used. To explore their antiviral activity for subsequent use in the form of coatings, the macromolecular Chs dispersions were incubated with the model virus phi6 (surrogate for SARS-CoV-2), and the success of virus inactivation was determined. Inactivation of phi6 with some chitosan-based compounds was very successful (>6 log), and the mechanisms behind this were explored. The changes in viral morphology after incubation were observed and the changes in infrared bands position were determined. In addition, dynamic and electrophoretic light scattering studies were performed to better understand the interaction between Chs and phi6. The results allowed us to better understand the antiviral mode of action of Chs agents as a function of their physicochemical properties.

Drying-Induced Surface Wrinkles Generated on Chitosan Films Having Polyion Complex Skin Layers: Effects of Physical Properties of Skin Layers and Substrates on Surface Wrinkling upon Drying

Abstract The effects of the physical properties of skin layers and substrates on drying-induced surface wrinkling are investigated with a system using chitosan films having polyion complex (PIC) skin layers. The PIC layers are fabricated with diverse anionic polymers having similar molecular weights on a chitosan (CS) film surface, and the films are dried. In all cases, surface wrinkles form but their sizes vary widely depending on the molecular structure. In particular, wrinkles formed with ligninsulfonate are much larger than those formed with the others. The skin layers differ significantly in surface hardness but not in thickness, indicating that wrinkle sizes induced by PIC skin layers are predominately determined by the hardness of the layers or by physical properties affected by hardness, such as shrinkage volume. The effects of the elastic moduli and shrinkage volume of the substrates are evaluated with higher molecular weight CS and surface-deacetylated chitin nanofiber composite CS films that have different elastic moduli but show very similar swelling–drying behaviors. The wrinkle sizes and skin layer thicknesses also suggest that wrinkle size in this system depends on the hardness of the skin layers or on the physical properties affecting the hardness.

Eco-Friendly Hybrid PLLA/Chitosan/Trichoderma asperellum Nanomaterials as Biocontrol Dressings against Esca Disease in Grapevines.

Fungi constitute the largest number of plant pathogens and are responsible for a range of serious plant diseases. Phaeomoniella chlamydospora (P. chlamydospora) and Phaeoacremonium aleophilum (P. aleophilum) are the main fungal pathogens causing esca disease in grapevines. On the other hand, there are beneficial microorganisms such as Trichoderma spp., which are able to control the growth of many phytopathogens. In the present study, innovative, eco-friendly hybrid nanomaterials were created by electrospinning PLLA, followed by the formation of a film of chitosan/Trichoderma asperellum (T. asperellum) spores on the fibers. The polymer carrier used in this study plays an active role in ensuring the viability of the biological agent during storage and, when placed in contact with moisture, ensures the agent’s normal development. Oligochitosan, as well as low molecular weight and high molecular weight chitosan, were used. The effects of chitosan molecular weight on the dynamic viscosity of chitosan solutions, film formation, mechanical properties, spore incorporation and growth were studied. The morphology of the prepared nanomaterials, and the presence of a film based on the formation of chitosan/T. asperellum spores on the PLLA fibers, were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface chemical compositions of the fibrous materials were studied using attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The mechanical properties of the obtained materials were also tested. The microbiological screening that was performed revealed that the eco-friendly hybrid nanomaterials incorporated with the beneficial microorganism, T. asperellum, to hamper the growth of the pathogenic P. chlamydospora and P. aleophilum fungi. The suppression rate depended on the viscosity of the chitosan solution used for the film formation. The use of oligochitosan resulted in the most effective infection of the material with T. asperellum spores. The environmentally friendly hybrid nanomaterials obtained in this study—in which the bioagent was embedded—are promising bioactive dressings for protecting grapevines against esca disease.

Experimental Reconstruction of Critical Size Defects of Bone Tissue in the Maxillofacial Region When Using Modified Chitosan

Rationale: The authors of the article propose a biomaterial design based on highly deacetylated chitosan, which replaces extensive bone defects. In the work, a biomaterial was used included freeze-dried implants based on highly deacetylated and high molecular weight chitosan, containing natural polysaccharides and inorganic nano-structural hydroxyapatite by intervention in white laboratory rats. Objectives: The goal is achieved due to the fact that a gel mass containing 2% chitosan ascorbate with a molecular weight of 100-700 kDa and a degree of deacetylation of 95-98% is introduced into large cavities. Sub-periosteal implantation of a chitosan structure into bone defects, CT analysis, morphometric analysis of histological sections of a bone defect allow us to reveal high efficiency in the early stages of bone reconstruction. Findings: When using modified chitosan to fill extensive bone defects in the jawbone in animals, the process of defect replacement occurs after 4-5 weeks with the formation of a full-fledged new bone tissue compared to control animals. Morphological analysis of the bone defect on the 7th day after the intervention showed signs of cancellous bone tissue formation, two weeks later - a pronounced increase in bone tissue volume (P <0.01). In the group with modified chitosan implantation, the amount of connective tissue formation was significantly lower (P <0.05) compared to the control group. CT analysis showed that after 6 weeks after the intervention, the closure of the defect by 70-80% is recorded, after 8 weeks - complete 100% closure of the defect without disturbing the morphology of the bone with a high degree of mineralization. Conclusions: Thus, modified chitosan is capable of eliminating bone defects of a critical size in the maxillofacial region, detecting early signs of angiogenesis and new bone formation, and serving as a promising material in reconstructive dentistry

꾸지뽕나무 열매 추출물의 Chlorogenic Acid, Rutin 함량 분석 및 생리활성

This study was carried out to very precisely understand the effect of solvent selection on the molecular properties in the investigation of the biological activity according to the molecular size of chitosan. Chitosan hydrolysates derived from the hydrolysis of high molecular weight chitosan (HMWC) were prepared in enzymatic hydrolysis under solvent selective conditions. Chitosan hydrolysates were characterized by HPLC and Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/ Ionization-Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry analyses, respectively. HPLC analysis did not show a significant difference in the size of hydrolysates according to the type of chitosan. On the other hand, it was confirmed that each molecular size was significantly different from the results presented by HPLC with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry analysis. In addition, the effect on the antibacterial activity of the hydrolysates of chitosan, designated to “active molecular chitosan (AMC)”, by the solvent selected for the enzymatic reaction also showed a significant difference. Therefore, it is intended to suggest that the selection of solvents for the enzymatic reaction for chitosan hydrolysis and their antibacterial activity is very important.

Quantitative functionalization of chitosan using green and efficient azetidinium-amine reactions

Despite significant advances in the field, quantitative post-polymer modification of chitosan, specifically attaching diverse hydrophobic moieties with experimentally predefined (via the ratio of reagents) degree of functionalization remain extremely challenging. In this context, we report our studies towards the use of green and efficient azetidinium-amine reactions to prepare a library of modified chitosan with a predefined degree of functionalization, with excellent conversion (>90%), atom economy and very low E-factor (<0.1). Initially six different azetidinium functionalized coupler molecules, which contains azetidinium functionality attached with other defined target functionality (ranging from hydrophobic to hydrophilic) are synthesized. In the next stage the azetidinium functionalized coupler molecules are reacted with chitosan (both low molecular weight and high molecular weight chitosans are used) in presence of 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane(DABCO, as base) using water as solvent and the other functional moiety are attached with the chitosan backbones. The degree of functionalization was calculated using 1H NMR and excellent match (80–100%) was noted between calculated degree of functionalization and feed ratio of the reagents used (experimentally defined ratio).

Improvement of chitosan water solubility by fumaric acid modification

Chitosan is a natural biopolymer with widespread availability. Its absorption, biodegradability, and biocompatibility make it ideal for extensive application. However, the high molecular weight and the high degree of polymerization limit its water solubility at neutral pH. Water solubility can be improved through the transformation in chitosan properties. We aimed to enhance the physicochemical properties through the modification of low, medium, and high molecular weight chitosan by using fumaric acid. With increasing molecular weight of native chitosan, the modified chitosan showed a decrease in water solubility and thermal properties. According to the pH dependence study, the modified products showed higher water solubility than native chitosan in a wide pH range. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy results proved the effectiveness of modification by fumaric acid. The enhanced water solubility of modified chitosan can maximize its application to the food, biomedical, and cosmetic industry.

High molecular weight chitosan oligosaccharide exhibited antifungal activity by misleading cell wall organization via targeting PHR transglucosidases

The fungal cell wall is an ideal target for the design of antifungal drugs. In this study we used an analog of cell wall polymer, a highly deacetylated high molecular-weight chitosan oligosaccharide (HCOS), to test its effect against pathogenic Candida strains. Results showed that HCOS was successfully incorporated into the dynamic cell wall organization process and exhibited an apparent antifungal activity against both plankton and mature fungal biofilm, by impairing the cell wall integrity. Unexpectedly, mechanistic studies suggested that HCOS exerts its activity by interfering with family members of PHR β-(1,3)-glucanosyl transferases and affecting the connection and assembly of cell wall polysaccharides. Furthermore, HCOS showed great synergistic activity with different fungicides against Candida cells, especially those in biofilm. These findings indicated HCOS has a great potential as an antifungal drug or drug synergist and proposed a novel antifungal strategy with structure-specific oligosaccharides mimicking cell wall polysaccharide fragments.

Chitosan molecular weights affect anthracnose incidence and elicitation of defence-related enzymes in avocado (Persea americana) cultivar ‘Fuerte’

Anthracnose decay is one of the major causes of postharvest losses of avocados (Persea americana), during marketing. Currently, Prochloraz® fungicide is used to control anthracnose at postharvest stage which poses threat to consumer safety. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of high and low molecular weight chitosan on the control of avocado anthracnose and fruit defence mechanism. In curative inoculation, avocados ‘(Fuerte’) were inoculated via the wounds with C. gloeosporioides spore suspension (20 μL, 1 × 106 spores mL−1). Thereafter coated with different concentrations (0.5%, 1% and 1.5%) of low (LMWC) and high molecular weight (HMWC) chitosan and fruits were held at 25 °C for 5 days. The % anthracnose incidence in avocado fruits was recorded on day 5. During preventative inoculation, wounded fruits were dipped in different concentrations of LMWC or HMWC solutions, and subsequently inoculated with C. gloeosporioides suspension. Preventatively inoculated fruits were stored for 28 days at 6.5 °C, 85% RH and thereafter for 5 days at 25 °C and 75% RH to simulated market shelf condition. The % anthracnose incidence was recorded on day 5. Fruit treated with Prochloraz® and water were included as controls for both curative and preventative infected fruits. Promising chitosan coatings with the lowest anthracnose incidence and the controls were investigated for skin epicatechin content, defence-related genes; phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), lipoxygenase (LOX), fatty acid elongase (avael) and desaturase (avfad 12–3), chalcone synthase (CHS) and flavonol synthase (FLS) using RT- qPCR method. The zeta potential of selected chitosan coatings was done following standard procedures. Percentage of anthracnose incidence were lowest in 1.5% LMWC (18%, 3 mm) compared to Prochloraz® (23%, 5 mm) and the untreated fruit (90%, 24 mm). The 1.5% LMWC had the highest up-regulation of PAL, avfael, avfad 12–3, CHS, FLS genes and down-regulation of LOX gene with concomitant increase in epicatechin content (340 mg kg−1) relative to other chitosan treatments, untreated and Prochloraz® treated fruits. The superior positive zeta potential of LMWC 1.5% coating corroborates its effectiveness in controlling avocado anthracnose than HMWC 1.5%. It is possible that the interaction between the positively charged chitosan amino group (-NH3+) and the negatively charged microbial cell membrane is responsible for the enhanced antifungal activity. In late season naturally infected fruits dipped in 1.5% LMWC, anthracnose incidence dropped to 28% while Prochloraz® treated fruits showed anthracnose incidence of 82% on day 8 at the market shelf. LMWC 1.5% can replace the currently used Prochloraz®.

One-step preparation of hydrogel based on different molecular weights of chitosan with citric acid.

Chitosan-based hydrogels have been prepared previously by a two-step protocol in which chitosan was first dissolved in dilute acetic acid and then crosslinked by glutaraldehyde or genipin. This was a time-consuming method, which had the disadvantages of high costs and biological safety problems. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results verified the successful preparation of hydrogels based on high, medium, and low molecular-weight chitosan (HCS, MCS, and LCS), respectively. The hydrogels prepared with HCS, MCS, and LCS were formed through the accumulation of different-sized crystals. The framework density of the hydrogel was enhanced by an increase in the chitosan molecular weight and exhibited a crack pore pattern composed of flake particles. Medium molecular-weight chitosan-based hydrogel exhibited the highest specific surface area and total pore volume, with values of 3.81 m2 g-1 and 0.0109 cm3 g-1 , respectively. The water absorption rate of the chitosan based hydrogels was influenced by its molecular weights at the sequence of LCS > HCS > MCS, while the maximum compression stress was affected at the sequence of HCS > MCS > LCS. The network structure was enhanced with an increase in the chitosan molecular weight and reached maximum stress levels of 4.50, 1.50 and 0.75 MPa for HCS-, MCS-, and LCS-based hydrogels, respectively. Citric acid was shown to be an effective dissolving and crosslinking agent in the preparation of MCS- and HCS-based hydrogels. The physiochemical properties of the hydrogels were enhanced as the molecular weight of the chitosan increased. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Synergistics of Carboxymethyl Chitosan and Mangosteen Extract as Enhancing Moisturizing, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Deodorizing Properties in Emulsion Cream.

Carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCH) from native chitosan of high molecular weight (H, 310–375 kDa) was synthesized for improving water solubility. The water solubility of high-molecular-weight carboxymethyl chitosan (H-CMCH) was higher than that of native chitosan by 89%. The application of H-CMCH as enhancing the moisturizer in mangosteen extract deodorant cream was evaluated. Different concentrations of H-CMCH (0.5–2.5%) were investigated in physicochemical characteristics of creams, including appearance, phase separation, pH, and viscosity, by an accelerated stability test. The different degrees of skin moisturizing (DM) on pig skin after applying H-CMCH solution, compared with untreated skin, water, and propylene glycol for 15 and 30 min using a Corneometer®, were investigated. The results showed that the 0.5% H-CMCH provided the best DM after applying the solution on pig skin for 30 min. Trans-2-nonenal, as an unsatisfied odor component, was also evaluated against components of the mangosteen extract deodorant cream, which were compared to the standard, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). In addition, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and antibacterial activities were examined for the mangosteen extract deodorant cream using 0.5% H-CMCH. Results indicated that the mangosteen extract synergized with H-CMCH, which had a good potential as an effective skin moisturizing agent enhancer, deodorizing activity on trans-2-nonenal odor, antioxidant properties, and antibacterial properties.

Biocompatible fibers from fungal and shrimp chitosans for suture application

• Fungal and shrimp chitosan were wet spun to monofilament yarns. • Using adipic acid as solvent generally resulted in fibers with higher tensile strength compared to fibers obtained using lactic acid. • Chitosan monofilaments showed a similar or better biocompatibility compared to commercial sutures. • Fungal and shrimp chitosan fibers are good candidates for being used as sutures. Purified fungal chitosan and crustacean chitosan were wet spun by using adipic and lactic acids as solvent. The lowest viscosity at which fiber formation was possible was 0.5 Pa·s; below this value, aggregates from low molecular weight fungal chitosan (32 kDa) formed, which could not be collected and dried. Fiber formation was achieved with high molecular weight fungal (400 kDa) and shrimp (406.7 kDa) chitosans as well as low molecular weight shrimp chitosan (50–190 kDa). Fibers made of high molecular weight chitosans with adipic acid as the solvent generally exhibited higher tensile strength; the highest observed tensile strength and Young’s modulus were 308.0±18.4 MPa and 22.7±4.0 GPa, respectively. SEM images indicated the formation of cylindrical chitosan fibers. The survival (viability) of human skin fibroblasts in presence of different fibers was measured using tetrazolium-based colorimetric assay and results confirmed that chitosan fibers have better biocompatibility than common conventional sutures, regardless of the chitosan and acid type. Accordingly, chitosan fibers from fungal and shrimp sources serve as good candidates for application as sutures.

"Preparation, Fractionation and Determination of Molecular Weight of COS using MALDI-TOF-mass Spectrometry Analysis"

Chitooligosaccharides (COS) derived from the hydrolysis of high molecular weight chitosan (HMWC) was prepared and fractionated in salting-out method with a wide range of NaCl, and characterized by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry analysis. It was confirmed that the COS before salting-out had a range from (GlcN)₄ to (GlcN)₁₅. A large decrease in COS molecules was confirmed according to the sequential salting-out, and finally, the COS according to the quaternary salting-out was mainly confirmed in (GlcN)_5~7. Unfortunately, it was not possible to efficiently separate or purify molecules larger than (GlcN)₇ in a single molecule according to salting-out, but if the concentration of NaCl can be more precisely controlled, it is thought that the separation of COS having a molecular size of (GlcN)₇ or larger may be possible. Prior to separation and purification of single molecules, it is also necessary to improve methodological approaches that can efficiently produce degradation products sufficiently containing molecules of a certain size. Therefore, the results of this study emphasize once again the importance of the production method of COS of various sizes according to enzyme treatment, and at the same time suggest the need to establish a method for purifying COS of a specific molecular size for pharmaceutical applications.