Marine-derived Polysaccharides Research Articles

Advances in Research on Marine-Derived Lipid-Lowering Active Substances and Their Molecular Mechanisms.

Hyperlipidemia (HLP) is a metabolic disorder caused by abnormal lipid metabolism. Recently, the prevalence of HLP caused by poor dietary habits in the population has been increasing year by year. In addition, lipid-lowering drugs currently in clinical use have shown significant improvement in blood lipid levels, but are accompanied by certain side effects. However, bioactive marine substances have been shown to possess a variety of physiological activities such as hypoglycemic, antioxidant, antithrombotic and effects on blood pressure. Therefore, the hypolipidemic efficacy of marine bioactive substances with complex and diverse structures has also attracted attention. This paper focuses on the therapeutic role of marine-derived polysaccharides, unsaturated fatty acids, and bioactive peptides in HLP, and briefly discusses the main mechanisms by which these substances exert their hypolipidemic activity in vivo.

The structure, characterization and immunomodulatory potential of exopolysaccharide produced by Planococcus rifietoensis AP-5 from deep-sea sediments of the Northwest Pacific

Polysaccharides derived from microorganisms exhibit diverse structures and bioactivities, making them promising candidates for the treatment of various diseases. However, marine-derived polysaccharides and their activities are relatively little known. In this work, fifteen marine strains were isolated from surface sediments in the Northwest Pacific Ocean for screening of EPS production. Planococcus rifietoensis AP-5 produced a maximum yield of EPS at 4.80 g/L. The purified EPS (referred to as PPS) had a molecular weight of 51,062 Da and contained amino, hydroxyl, and carbonyl groups as its major functional groups. PPS primarily consisted of →3)-α-D-Galp-(1 → 4)-α-D-Manp-(1 → 2)-α-D-Manp-(1 → 4)-α-D-Manp-(1 → 4,6)-α-D-Glcp-(1 → 6)-β-D-Galp-(1→, with a branch consisting of T-β-D-Glcp-(1→. Additionally, surface morphology of PPS was hollow, porous, and sphere-like stack. PPS primarily contained C, N, and O elements, with a surface area of 33.76 m2/g, a pore volume of 0.13 cc/g, and a pore diameter of 1.69 nm, respectively. Based on the TG curve, the degradation temperature of PPS was measured to be 247 °C. Furthermore, PPS demonstrated immunomodulatory activity through dose-dependently upregulating the expression level of cytokines. It significantly enhanced the cytokine secretion at a concentration of 5 μg/mL. To sum up, this study offers valuable insights for screening marine polysaccharide-based immunomodulators.

Self-Healing Hydrogels Fabricated by Introducing Antibacterial Long-Chain Alkyl Quaternary Ammonium Salt into Marine-Derived Polysaccharides for Wound Healing

The development of hydrogels as wound dressings has gained considerable attention due to their promising ability to promote wound healing. However, in many cases of clinical relevance, repeated bacterial infection, which might obstruct wound healing, usually occurs due to the lack of antibacterial properties of these hydrogels. In this study, we fabricated a new class of self-healing hydrogel with enhanced antibacterial properties based on dodecyl quaternary ammonium salt (Q12)-modified carboxymethyl chitosan (Q12-CMC), aldehyde group- modified sodium alginate (ASA), Fe3+ via Schiff bases and coordination bonds (QAF hydrogels). The dynamic Schiff bases and coordination interactions conferred excellent self-healing abilities to the hydrogels, while the incorporation of dodecyl quaternary ammonium salt gave the hydrogels superior antibacterial properties. Additionally, the hydrogels displayed ideal hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility, crucial for wound healing. Our full-thickness skin wound studies demonstrated that QAF hydrogels could result in rapid wound healing with reduced inflammatory response, increased collagen disposition and improved vascularization. We anticipate that the proposed hydrogels, possessing both antibacterial and self-healing properties, will emerge as a highly desirable material for skin wound repair.

Methodology of the Development of a Topical Transdermal Fucoidan Delivery System

Introduction. Marine-derived polysaccharides are promising candidates for the development of innovative drugs. One of such compounds is the polysaccharide fucoidan from brown seaweeds, which shows anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory activity. The development of topical transdermal formulation for the treatment of chronic venous diseases is of particular interest, because with targeted delivery, the active compound in high concentration comes directly to the site where the drug is required, while the risk of side effects is minimal.Aim. Experimental and theoretical justification of the methodological scheme for the development of a transdermal delivery system with fucoidan for local therapy using the Quality by Design (QbD) approach.Materials and methods. Fucoidan was isolated from the thalli of Fucus vesiculosus L. from the Barents Sea according to the original technology of the MMBI RAS. All excipients were approved for medical use. The experiments for rational selection of the excipients for the transdermal delivery system (TSD) were planned using the Greek-Latin square 4 × 4 with repeated observations. The colloidal and thermal stability and pH were evaluated as physicochemical parameters of TSD Structural and mechanical properties of TSD were deter-mined with rotational viscometer. The dissolution rate of fucoidan in vitro was evaluated using the paddle-over-disk method at a temperature of 32 ± 0.5 °C.Results and discussion. The composition and technology of topical TSD цwith fucoidan were developed using the QbD concept. The composition and technology of topical TSD with 15 % of fucoidan as active ingredient were developed. TSD has thermo- and colloidal stability, and has a pH value close to the pH of human skin. Poloxamer 407 was used as a gel base; olive oil was used as a hydrophobic phase. It was found that the ratio of poloxamer 407 to the aqueous phase should be no less than 0.1 and no more than 0.37; the ratio of water to the aqueous phase should not be less than 0.56 and not more than 0.69; and the ratio of polyoxyl 40 hydrogenated castor oil to the oil phase must be at least 0.34. It was found that 9 % poloxamer 407 provides the necessary structural and mechanical properties of TSD. It has been established that the developed TSD of fucoidan with poloxamer 407 belongs to non-Newtonian flow types with plastic properties and has thixotropy.Conclusion. The complex of studies based on QbD approach led to the experimental and theoretical justification of the methodological scheme for the development of a transdermal delivery system with marine polysaccharide fucoidan. The methodological scheme takes into account the physicochemical and technological features of fucoidan and allows you to create a high-quality TSD that ensures stability and complete release of the active substance.

The hepatoprotective candidates by synergistic formula of marine and terrestrial against Acetaminophen toxicity using in-vitro, in-vivo, and in silico screening approach

BackgroundOne of the most regularly used hepatotoxic medicines is paracetamol (acetaminophen, N-acetyl-p-aminophenol; APAP). It causes liver failure in overdoses but is safe at therapeutic dosages. Combination therapy combining many natural compounds with a synergistic impact as hepatoprotective agents has become an essential therapeutic method against various disorders. ObjectiveDue to the lack of literature on paracetamol's effects on hematological and hepatic status parameters in male albino mice, the main goal of this study was to compare the hepatoprotective activities of a mixture of three marine-derived polyphenolics and polysaccharides (Sargassum vulgare Bacillus oceanisediminis, and alginic acids) to Chrysanthemum extract and the mixture of them. MethodsSargassumvulgare, Bacillus Oceanisediminis, and alginate, as well as Chrysanthemum ethanol extracts, were tested for APAP-induced liver damage. Group 1 received saline solution subcutaneously, while Group 2 received 500 mg/kg body weight/day APAP intraperitoneal. Group 3 got 200 mg/day algal extract i.p. As in group 3, group 4 got an i.p. dose of 200 mg of algal extract before the APAP dose. This group was protected by Sargassum vulgare extract. Group 5: Received 200 mg/100 g/body of Bacillus oceanisediminis extracts i.p. for one week. Group 6: Received 200 mg/body of Bacillus oceanisediminis extract i.p. for one week before APAP treatment. Alginate (p200 mg/body weight/day) was given to Group 7. As in group 7, group 8 received 200 mg/body weight/day alginate extract i.p. before APAP. Group 9: Chrysanthemum extracts 200 mg/day for a week. Group 10: got an i.p. dose of Chrysanthemum extracts for one week before the APAP dose. Group 11: Four mixed extracts (Bacillus Oceanisediminis, Sargassum vulgare, Chrysanthemum, and alginate) were i.p200 mg/day for one week as a positive (+ve) control group. Group 12: Received i.p200 mg/kg combination extract for one week before APAP. ResultsDue to their synergistic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, marine extracts and combinations of marine-derived extracts demonstrated a great effect against APAP toxicity, demonstrating hepatoprotective potential against APAP-induced liver damage. ConclusionThe synergy of the three marine-derived combinations may lead to novel liver toxicity prevention agents.

Structural characterization and immunomodulatory activity of an exopolysaccharide from marine-derived Aspergillus versicolor SCAU141

Until now, relatively little is known about marine-derived fungal polysaccharides and their activities. Exopolysaccharide AVP141-A was isolated from the broth of marine-derived fungus Aspergillus versicolor SCAU141 and purified by Diethylaminoethyl-Sepharose Fast Flow and Sephadex G-100. The structural characteristics of AVP141-A was studied by chemical analysis together with high-performance gel permeation chromatography, ion chromatography, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The results showed that AVP141-A with the molecular weight of 5.10 kDa was mainly composed of →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, branched by α-D-Glcp-(1→ and →6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→ at C-6 positions of the glucan backbone. In particular, sulfate ester (approximately 3.62 %) was found in AVP141-A, which was frequently considered to occur in marine-derived microbial polysaccharides rather than other microbial polysaccharides. Furthermore, AVP141-A significantly enhanced the activity of the inflammatory factors NO, COX-2 and TNF-α in RAW264.7 macrophages by activating the MAPK/p38 and NF-κB/p65 pathways. In addition, metabolomic analysis revealed that most of the pathways with significant changes in RAW264.7 macrophages treated with AVP141-A were amino acid-related pathways, and arginine was the characteristic metabolite. In conclusion, this study identified AVP141-A as a marine fungus-derived sulfated exopolysaccharide with potential for development as an immune activator.

Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Treatment: A Review of Marine-derived Polysaccharides.

Cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation and the spread of cells to other tissues and remains one of the worldwide problems waiting to be solved. There are various treatment strategies for cancer, such as chemotherapy, surgery, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy, although it varies according to its type and stage. Many chemotherapeutic agents have limited clinical use due to lack of efficacy, off-target toxicity, metabolic instability, or poor pharmacokinetics. One possible solution to this high rate of clinical failure is to design drug delivery systems that deliver drugs in a controlled and specific manner and are not toxic to normal cells. Marine systems contain biodiversity, including components and materials that can be used in biomedical applications and therapy. Biomaterials such as chitin, chitosan, alginate, carrageenan, fucoidan, hyaluronan, agarose, and ulvan obtained from marine organisms have found use in DDSs today. These polysaccharides are biocompatible, non-toxic, biodegradable, and cost-effective, making them ideal raw materials for increasingly complex DDSs with a potentially regulated release. In this review, the contributions of polysaccharides from the marine environment to the development of anticancer drugs in DDSs will be discussed.

Combination Therapy for Bacterial Pathogens: Naturally Derived Antimicrobial Drugs Combined with Ulva lactuca Extract.

With the growing incidence of microbial pathogenesis, several alternative strategies have been developed. The number of treatments using naturally (e.g., plants, algae, fungi, bacteria, and animals) derived compounds has increased. Importantly, marine-derived products have become a promising and effective approach to combat the antibiotic resistance properties developed by bacterial pathogens. Furthermore, augmenting the sub-inhibitory concentration of the naturally-derived antimicrobial compounds (e.g., hydroxycinnamic acids, terpenes, marine-derived polysaccharides, phenolic compounds) into the naturally derived extracts as a combination therapy to treat the bacterial infection has not been well studied. The present study was aimed to prepare green algae Ulva lactuca extract and evaluate its antibacterial activity towards Gram-positive and Gram-negative human pathogenic bacteria. Also, revitalize the antibacterial efficiency of the naturally-derived antimicrobial drugs and conventional antibiotics by mixing their sub-MIC to the U. lactuca extracts. Extraction was done using a different organic solvent, and its antibacterial activity was tested towards Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of U. lactuca extracts has been determined towards pathogenic bacteria using the micro broth dilution method. The viable cell counting method was used to determine the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). The fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) assay was utilized to examine the combinatorial impact of sub-MIC of two antibacterial drugs using the micro broth dilution method. The chemical components of the extract were analyzed by GC-MS analysis. Among all the extracts, n-hexane extract was found to show effective antibacterial activity towards tested pathogens with the lowest MIC and MBC value. Furthermore, the n-hexane extracts have also been used to enhance the efficacy of the naturally-derived (derived from plants and marine organisms) compounds and conventional antibiotics at their sub-inhibitory concentrations. Most of the tested antibiotics and natural drugs at their sub-MIC were found to exhibit synergistic and additive antibacterial activity towards the tested bacterial pathogens. The combining of U. lactuca n-hexane extracts with natural drugs resulted in synergistic and additive bactericidal effects on Gram-positive and Gram-negative human pathogenic bacteria. The present study shows a new alternative strategy to revitalize the antimicrobial activity of naturally derived compounds for treating human bacterial pathogens.

Highly Porous and Superabsorbent Biomaterial Made of Marine-Derived Polysaccharides and Ascorbic Acid as an Optimal Dressing for Exuding Wound Management.

There are many modern wound dressings that have promising properties for repairing skin damage. However, due to various types of wounds and the problems they cause, there is still a great demand for new, effective healing strategies. The aim of this study was to create superabsorbent wound dressing made of marine-derived polysaccharides (agarose and chitosan) using the freeze-drying method. The secondary goal was its comprehensive evaluation for potential use as an external superabsorbent bandage for wounds with high exudation. Due to the well-known positive effect of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) on the healing process, biomaterial enriched with vitamin C was prepared and compared to the variant without the addition of ascorbic acid. It was shown that the produced foam-like wound dressing had a very porous structure, which was characterized by hydrophilicity, allowing a large amount of human fluids to be absorbed. According to in vitro tests on human fibroblasts, biomaterial was nontoxic and supportive to cell proliferation. Vitamin C-enriched dressing also had the ability to significantly reduce matrix metalloproteinase-2 production and to promote platelet-derived growth factor-BB synthesis by fibroblasts, which is desired during chronic wound treatment. The material has features of the eco-friendly wound care product since it was made of naturally-derived polysaccharides and was proved to be biodegradable. Importantly, despite degradable character, it was stable in the chronic and infected wound microenvironment, maintaining high integrity after 8-week incubation in the enzymatic solutions containing lysozyme and collagenases. The obtained results clearly showed that developed biomaterial possesses all necessary features of the external dressing for the management of exudate from both acute and chronic non-healing wounds.

The Effects of the Marine-Derived Polysaccharides Laminarin and Chitosan on Aspects of Colonic Health in Pigs Challenged with Dextran Sodium Sulphate.

This study examined the effects of dietary supplementation with laminarin or chitosan on colonic health in pigs challenged with dextran sodium sulphate (DSS). Weaned pigs were assigned to: (1) a basal diet (n = 22); (2) a basal diet + laminarin (n = 10); and (3) a basal diet + chitosan (n = 10). On d35, the basal group was split, creating four groups: (1) the basal diet (control); (2) the basal diet + DSS; (3) the basal diet + laminarin + DSS; and (4) the basal diet + chitosan + DSS. From d39–42, the pigs were orally challenged with DSS. On d44, colonic tissue/digesta samples were collected. The basal DSS group had reduced growth, higher pathology score and an increased expression of MMP1, IL13 and IL23 compared with the controls (p < 0.05); these parameters were similar between the DSS-challenged groups (p > 0.05). In the basal DSS group, the relative abundance of beneficial taxa including Prevotella and Roseburia were reduced while Escherichia/Shigella were increased, compared with the controls (p < 0.05). The relative abundance of Escherichia/Shigella was reduced and the molar proportions of acetate were increased in the laminarin DSS group compared with the basal DSS group (p < 0.01), suggesting that laminarin has potential to prevent pathogen proliferation and enhance the volatile fatty acid profile in the colon in a porcine model of colitis.

New insights into the role of dietary marine-derived polysaccharides on productive performance, egg quality, antioxidant capacity, and jejunal morphology in late-phase laying hens

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary marine-derived polysaccharides (MDP) from seaweed Enteromorpha on productive performance, egg quality, antioxidant capacity, and jejunal morphology in late-phase laying hens. A total of 240 Lohmann white laying hens (62 wk of age) were assigned to 4 dietary treatments that included MDP at concentrations of 0, 1,000, 2,500, and 5,000 mg/kg for 6 wk. Each treatment had 6 replicates with 5 cages (2 birds/cage). The results showed that dietary MDP quadratically improved egg production (P < 0.05) during 5 to 6 wk and 1 to 6 wk. There was a linear reduction in cracked egg rate (P < 0.05) with dietary MDP levels increased during 3 to 4 wk and 1 to 6 wk. After 4 wk of feeding trial, the egg shell thickness, yolk color, and Haugh unit showed a linear increase (P < 0.05) in response to increasing dietary MDP levels. Besides, the egg shell breaking strength, egg shell thickness, yolk color, and Haugh unit were improved linearly (P < 0.05) by dietary MDP at the end of the experiment. Moreover, dietary MDP showed a linear and quadratic reduction in serum malondialdehyde (MDA) content (P < 0.05) at the end of third week. At the end of experiment, the activity of total superoxide dismutase in serum was increased quadratically (P < 0.05) by dietary MDP, and dietary MDP quadratically improved the liver catalase (CAT) activity (P < 0.05) and linearly enhanced jejunal CAT activity (P < 0.05), whereas linearly decreased jejunal MDA concentration (P < 0.05). Furthermore, supplemental MDP linearly improved the villus height (P < 0.05) and quadratically increased villus height/crypt depth ratio (P < 0.05) of jejunum. However, dietary MDP had no effect on jejunal trypsin, amylase, and protease activity (P > 0.10). Taken together, these findings provided new insights into the role of MDP in improving the productive performance, egg quality, antioxidant capacity, and jejunal morphology of late-phase laying hens.

Marine-derived polygalactofucan and its β-2-deoxy-amino-substituted glucopyranan composite attenuate 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase: prospective natural anti-dyslipidemic leads

Adverse side effects reported for the use of statin drugs provided insights to develop potential anti-dyslipidemic derivatives from natural origin. The objective of the work was to develop the marine-derived polysaccharides attenuating 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGCR), and as prospective natural anti-dyslipidemic leads. Physical and chromatographic purification methods were used to isolate the polygalactofucan from the marine macroalga Sargassum wightii and β-(2-deoxy)-amino-substituted glucopyrananan from a marine crustacean. Glycosidic linkage analysis by the process of methylation was used for structural elucidation of the polygalactofucan, and the methylated and partially methylated alditol acetates were characterized using extensive spectroscopic experiments. The polysaccharide composite constituting the titled polysaccharide motifs showed significant HMGCR inhibitory potential (IC90 0.12 mg mL−1) and an increase in HMG-CoA/mevalonate ratio (1.68 mg dL−1) compared with the high-fat diet (HFD)-treated animals (1.04 mg dL−1), which recognized its hypo-lipidemic efficacy. In vivo results demonstrated about 70% reduction in the triglyceride levels with the concomitant increase (~39%) of hepatic lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity in the HFD-fed Wistar rats treated with 500 mg kg−1 body weight. The results illustrated the use of marine-derived polygalactofucan composite as potential anti-dyslipidemic agent.

The Antioxidant Activity of Polysaccharides Derived from Marine Organisms: An Overview.

Marine-derived antioxidant polysaccharides have aroused extensive attention because of their potential nutritional and therapeutic benefits. However, the comprehensive comparison of identified marine-derived antioxidant polysaccharides is still inaccessible, which would facilitate the discovery of more efficient antioxidants from marine organisms. Thus, this review summarizes the sources, chemical composition, structural characteristics, and antioxidant capacity of marine antioxidant polysaccharides, as well as their protective in vivo effects mediated by antioxidative stress reported in the last few years (2013–2019), and especially highlights the dominant role of marine algae as antioxidant polysaccharide source. In addition, the relationships between the chemical composition and structural characteristics of marine antioxidant polysaccharides with their antioxidant capacity were also discussed. The antioxidant activity was found to be determined by multiple factors, including molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, sulfate position and its degree.

Two types of polyelectrolyte multilayers hydrogel membrane based on chitosan and alginate with different self-assembled process for control L929 cell behavior

Controlling the adhesion of mammalian cells at the interface between materials and biological environments is a real challenge when designing materials for tissue engineering applications. The surface properties of implanted materials are known to have a significant impact on cell adhesion. Herein, two types of polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) hydrogel membrane based on marine-derived polysaccharides of chitosan (CHI) and alginate (ALG) biopolymers were fabricated by the layer-by-layer (LbL) technique using simple approach involving the change in assemble sequence of chitosan with different degree of deacetylation (DD). The effect of PEMs formation on the surface properties and their effects on the adhesion of mouse fibroblast cell (L929) of the two membranes were studied. The results showed that the formations of ALG/CHI membranes were related to the rigidity and conformations of chitosan molecules. The adhesion of L929 cell was strongly depended on the surface roughness rather than stiffness. The surface of PEMs can be strongly cytophilic (cell adhesive, terminated with chitosan (C1)) or strongly cytophobic (cell resistant, terminated with chitosan (C2)). The results obtained indicate that ALG/CHI PEMs with different surface morphology and roughness could be used in vitro to manipulate cell behaviors to improve upon the design of tissue-engineered membranes.

Antithrombotics from the Sea: Polysaccharides and Beyond

Marine organisms exhibit some advantages as a renewable source of potential drugs, far beyond chemotherapics. Particularly, the number of marine natural products with antithrombotic activity has increased in the last few years, and reports show a wide diversity in scaffolds, beyond the polysaccharide framework. While there are several reviews highlighting the anticoagulant and antithrombotic activities of marine-derived sulfated polysaccharides, reports including other molecules are sparse. Therefore, the present paper provides an update of the recent progress in marine-derived sulfated polysaccharides and quotes other scaffolds that are being considered for investigation due to their antithrombotic effect.

Chiral Stationary Phases for Liquid Chromatography Based on Chitin- and Chitosan-Derived Marine Polysaccharides

The development of chiral stationary phases (CSPs) for liquid chromatography (LC) revolutionized the enantioseparation and, nowadays, different types of CSPs are commercially available. Polysaccharide-based CSPs are one of the most versatile and widely used for both analytical and preparative applications and they are able to resolve several classes of racemates. Phenylcarbamates of amylose and cellulose derivatives are the most successful; however, polysaccharide-based CSPs comprising marine-derived polysaccharides are also described revealing high chiral recognition abilities and wider range of mobile phases. A literature survey covering the report on chitin and chitosan based CSPs is presented. The chemical structure of the chiral selectors, their development and applications in chiral LC are emphasized.

Draft Genome Sequence of Paenibacillus sp. Strain MY03, a Terrestrial Bacterium Capable of Degrading Multiple Marine-Derived Polysaccharides.

ABSTRACTThe bacterium Paenibacillus sp. strain MY03, isolated from the root soil of cypress, can effectively degrade marine-derived polysaccharides such as agar, alginate, and chitin. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of MY03. Putative enzymes, including 3 agarases, 1 alginate lyase, and 1 chitinase, were found.

Tuning cell adhesive properties via layer-by-layer assembly of chitosan and alginate.

Multilayered films based on marine-derived polysaccharides were obtained by layer-by-layer (LbL). Biological tests with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) showed the potential of these films to tailor cell adhesion, spreading and proliferation. These multilayered films promise to be versatile and tunable model of cell adhesive and non-adhesive films.

Multilayered Hollow Tubes as Blood Vessel Substitutes.

The available therapies for cardiovascular pathologies often require the replacement of diseased vascular grafts. However, the current blood vessel substitutes are unsuitable for small-diameter blood vessel replacements. Herein, we propose the creation of multilayered hollow tubes as blood vessel substitutes. Hollow tubes were obtained by building-up multilayers of marine-derived polysaccharides (i.e., chitosan and alginate) on sacrificial tubular templates using layer-by-layer technology and template leaching. A cross-linking degree of ≈59% was achieved using genipin, which is reflected in an increase of the mechanical properties and a decrease of the water uptake. To further improve the cell adhesive properties of the multilayers, fibronectin (FN) was immobilized on the surface of the hollow tubes. The in vitro biological performance of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs) was assessed. In addition, to perform the culture of HUVECs on the inner side and the HASMCs on the outer side of the tubes, an in-house developed apparatus was created that allowed us to feed cells with their respective culture medium. The developed hollow tubes were shown to be a suitable structure to promote cell adhesion, spreading, and proliferation. It is our belief that the creation of these functional structures will open a new research field in order to develop innovative multilayered tubular structures for cardiovascular TE applications.

Structure, Biological Properties and Applications of Marine-derived Polysaccharides

Structure, Biological Properties and Applications of Marine-derived Polysaccharides