Rat Liver Microsomal Membranes Research Articles

Gallic Acid-Based Hydrogels for Phloretin Intestinal Release: A Promising Strategy to Reduce Oxidative Stress in Chronic Diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia caused by abnormalities in insulin secretion and/or action. In patients with diabetes, complications such as blindness, delayed wound healing, erectile dysfunction, renal failure, heart disease, etc., are generally related to an increase in ROS levels which, when activated, trigger hyperglycemia-induced lesions, inflammation and insulin resistance. In fact, extensive cell damage and death occurs mainly due to the effect that ROS exerts at the level of cellular constituents, causing the deterioration of DNA and peroxidation of proteins and lipids. Furthermore, elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and an imbalance of redox levels in diabetic patients produce insulin resistance. These destructive effects can be controlled by the defense network of antioxidants of natural origin such as phloretin and gallic acid. For this reason, the objective of this work was to create a nanocarrier (hydrogel) based on gallic acid containing phloretin to increase the antioxidant effect of the two substances which function as fundamental for reducing the mechanisms linked to oxidative stress in patients suffering from chronic diabetes. Furthermore, since the bioavailability problems of phloretin at the intestinal level are known, this carrier could facilitate its release and absorption. The obtained hydrogel was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Its degree of swelling (a%) and phloretin release were tested under pH conditions simulating the gastric and intestinal environment (1.2, 6.8 and 7.4). The antioxidant activity, inhibiting lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomal membranes induced in vitro by a free radical source, was evaluated for four hours. All results showed that gallate hydrogel could be applied for releasing intestinal phloretin and reducing the ROS levels.

Multifunctional Microspheres Based on D-Mannose and Resveratrol for Ciprofloxacin Release.

This article describes the preparation, characterization, and performance evaluation of functional microspheres useful for the release of ciprofloxacin. The particles were obtained using D-mannose, a natural aldohexose sugar, and resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant. In particular, the above compounds were initially converted into D-mannose carboxylate and resveratrol methacrylate and, therefore, subjected to an esterification reaction. The resulting product was used for the preparation of the microspheres which were characterized by light scattering, FT-IR spectrophotometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Subsequently, their degree of bloating was evaluated at pH 1.2 to simulate the pH of the stomach, at pH 6.8 and pH 7.4 to mimic the intestinal environment. The antibiotic ciprofloxacin was then loaded into the microspheres, with an encapsulation efficiency of 100%. The cumulative amount of drug released was 55% at pH 6.8 and 99% at pH 7.4. The tests conducted to evaluate the antibacterial activity demonstrated the ability of the microspheres obtained to inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli. The antioxidant efficacy, due to the presence of resveratrol in their structure, was confirmed using rat liver microsomal membranes. The results obtained have highlighted how the microspheres based on D-mannose and resveratrol can be considered promising multifunctional vectors useful in the treatment of intestinal and urinary infections.

Preparation, characterization and in vitro evaluation of resveratrol-loaded nanospheres potentially useful for human breast carcinoma

The aim of the present work was the preparation and characterization of nanospheres based on antioxidants resveratrol and epigallocatechin gallate useful for site-specific release of resveratrol to breast cancer cells. Nanospheres were prepared via microemulsion technique and were characterized by light scattering, FT-IR spectrophotometry and Electronic Scanning Microscopy. Spherical particles with a diameter of about ~400 nm have been obtained. Resveratrol was then 100% loaded into nanoparticles and its release profile was evaluated by in vitro studies at pH 7.4, in order to simulate the physiological environment, and at pH 6.2 to simulate the tumor environment. Experimental data displayed a slow and continous release of resveratrol from nanoparticles at both pHs. Nanospheres also showed a strong antioxidant activity against lipid peroxidation induced in rat liver microsomal membranes. Finally, the effects of increasing doses of the resveratrol-epigallocatechin gallate based nanospheres on the proliferation and viability of MDA-MB 231 human breast carcinoma cells were evaluated. The data showed a significant reduction of cell survival. In particular, it has been observed that resveratrol loaded microparticles acted more effectively than the empty ones. All the obtained results suggest that these platforms, thanks to their release profile, biocompatibility, antioxidant and antitumor activity, could be a suitable approach for breast cancer treatment and prevention.

Chenopodium album L. and Sisymbrium officinale (L.) Scop.: Phytochemical Content and In Vitro Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Potential.

Spontaneous edible plants have an old history of use in popular traditions all around the world, and the rediscovery of these species could also be useful for the search of new drugs. Chenopodium album L. (Amaranthaceae) and Sisymbrium officinale (L.) Scop. (Brassicaceae) are two annual plants traditionally used both as food and herbal remedies against inflammatory disorders. In this work, the potential anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities of these plant species have been investigated, together with their antioxidant potential. The phytochemical composition was assessed as well by means of gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). The antioxidant properties were assessed using the DPPH and β-carotene bleaching test. The ability of extracts to protect against lipid peroxidation was also examined in rat-liver microsomal membranes. All the samples showed a preservation of antioxidant activity up to 60 min. A significant inhibitory activity on the production of the pro-inflammatory mediator nitric oxide was induced in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells by the dichloromethane fraction of C. album extract, with an IC50 value equal to 81.7 ± 0.9 μg/mL. The same sample showed also a concentration-dependent anti-denaturation effect on heat-treated bovine serum albumin (IC50 = 975.6 ± 5.5 μg/mL), even if the best in vitro anti-arthritic activity was observed for the dichloromethane fraction of S. officinale extract, with an IC50 value of 680.9 ± 13.2 μg/mL.

α-Tocopheryl linolenate solid lipid nanoparticles for the encapsulation, protection, and release of the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid: in vitro anti-melanoma activity evaluation

The main target of this study was the preparation, characterization and antioxidant activity evaluation of α-tocopheryl linolenate based solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs-TL), able to incorporate omega-3 α-linolenic acid, useful for the treatment of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. In particular, α-linolenic acid was successfully derivatized with α-tocopherol and the obtained compound was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and by 1H NMR to confirm the ester linkage. Both the empty SLNs-TL that SLNs-TL-LIN, containing omega-3-linolenic acid, were prepared through the technique of the microemulsion. The nanoparticles were characterized for entrapment efficiency, size and shape. Their antioxidant activity was investigated in rat liver microsomal membranes in inhibiting the lipid peroxidation induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tert-BOOH), which endogenously produces alkoxyl radicals by Fenton reactions. The obtained results indicate that the α-tocopherol, linked by ester bond to α-linolenic acid, maintains an excellent antioxidant activity. The encapsulation efficiency was equal to 77% and the polydispersity index 0.198 indicating a good dimensional distribution. Furthermore, the nanoparticles were tested in vitro for their cytotoxic activity against human melanoma cancer cell line C32. Both empty SLNs-TL and loaded SLNs-TL-LIN showed a high biological activity, being more effective than α-linolenic acid and α-tocopherol. The results indicated that these nanoparticles could provide the delivery and the protection of unstable molecules, such as α-linolenic acid, from degradation induced by mechanisms of oxidative stress.

Multifunctional membranes based on natural polymers: preparation, characterization and in vitro performance evaluation

The aim of this study was to synthesize new multifunctional biopolymers via esterification of hemp fibres with two reagents: meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. The obtained biopolymers were characterized using infrared spectroscopy. The antibacterial activity of the derivative containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid moiety was evaluated by assessing the growth inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Petri dishes. The results suggest that this biomaterial exhibits an excellent in vitro antibacterial activity. The antioxidant activity of the biopolymer from meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid was tested in rat liver microsomal membranes in the presence of tert-butylhydroperoxide as free radical source. Results suggest that this material inhibits lipid peroxidation induced by the free radical species. Both derivatives were used to prepare multifunctional membranes that were characterized and tested indicating the maintenance of biopolymer functionalized properties. Moreover, these functionalized biopolymers interact with metal ions due to their chelating functional groups. The absorption capacity for a selected metal ion, Cd(II), was investigated in aqueous solutions at pH = 0.65, 4.1 and 7.0 using optical emission spectroscopy. This study demonstrates that these new materials are very effective in chelating cadmium ions showing maximum efficiency at pH = 7.0. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry

Preparation, Characterization and Efficacy Evaluation of Synthetic Biocompatible Polymers Linking Natural Antioxidants

The purpose of this work was the synthesis, characterization and efficacy evaluation of new biocompatible antioxidant polymers linking trans-ferulic acid or α-lipoic acid. In particular, ferulic or lipoic acid were introduced in the preformed polymeric backbone. The new antioxidant biopolymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography. The degree of functionalization (moles of antioxidant per gram of polymer) was determined by the Gaur-Gupta method for free amino group determination and by the Folin method for the phenolic groups. Their ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation were estimated in rat liver microsomal membranes induced in vitro by tert-BOOH (tert-butyl hydroperoxide), as a source of free radicals. The DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical-scavenging effect was also evaluated. The obtained systems, with different solubility, showed strong antioxidant and antiradical activities, suggesting potential use as packaging materials for foods, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and personal care products. Moreover, the cytotoxicity of the synthesized polymers was also evaluated on Caco-2 cell cultures in order to verify their biocompatibility when exposed to an absorptive epithelial cell line.

Collagen α-tocopherulate for topical applications: Preparation, characterization, and antioxidant activity evaluation

The aim of this work was to synthesize collagen α-tocopherulate for topical treatments. Collagen is a natural polymer largely applied to enhance wound repair, and α-tocopherol is a known antioxidant used for the treatment of various skin diseases. Linking the two through covalent bonds could improve α-tocopherol transport and metabolic stability, reduce the rate of degradation, and ensure a longer persistence than free antioxidant. The new biopolymer was prepared by a solid-phase synthesis employing a carboxypolystyrene resin. Its antioxidant activity in rat liver microsomal membranes was also evaluated. The obtained collagen-based biomaterial represents a new prodrug of α-tocopherol that could be used for various biomedical applications.

Preparation, characterization and in vitro activities evaluation of curcumin based microspheres for azathioprine oral delivery

The main target of this study was the preparation, characterization and in vitro activities evaluation of microspheres curcumin-based able to incorporate azathioprine, useful for psoriasis treatment. Curcumin was derivatized with acryloyl chloride in order to introduce polymerizable groups in its structure. The obtained polymerizable drug was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), to confirm ester linkages, and by 1H-NMR, to establish the functionalization degree. The ability of curcumin derivative to inhibit cell proliferation, in human breast cancer cells, gave an IC50 value for viability of 20μM. Acrylated curcumin also showed a strong antioxidant activity against lipid peroxidation induced in rat liver microsomal membranes. Then, spherical microparticles, based on curcumin derivative, were prepared by suspension radical copolymerization. The obtained microparticles were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, dimensional and morphological analysis. Particle size investigation revealed a mean diameter of around 5.8μm. Microspheres showed a very good swelling behavior in simulating intestinal fluids. Their azathioprine loading efficiency, determined by spectophotometric analysis was equal to 80%. Release profile of azathioprine showed an initial dot of around 60% and a further release for 24h.

Synthesis of pro-prodrugs l-lysine based for 5-aminosalicylic acid and 6-mercaptopurine colon specific release

The aim of this work is to design, prepare and characterize l-lysine based prodrugs capable of targeting 6-mercaptopurine to the colon, an anti-tumor and immunosuppressant drug, and 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), drug of choice for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). More specifically, Nɛ-feruloyl-S-(6-purinyl)- l-lysine and Nɛ-acryloyl-S-(6-purinyl)- l-lysine were synthesized and then characterized by FT-IR, 1H-NMR and GC/MS spectroscopies. The ability of feruloyl derivative in inhibiting lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomal membranes, induced in vitro by tert-butyl hydroperoxide as source of free radicals, was evaluated. Moreover, Nɛ-acryloyl-S-(6-purinyl)- l-lysine, polymerizable prodrug, was used to microspheres realization for 5-ASA release. These lasts, obtained by emulsion inverse technique, were characterized by light scattering and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The microspheres equilibrium swelling degree was evaluated and showed good swelling behaviour in simulating colonic fluids. Results confirm the possibility that the application range of l-lysine prodrug can be extended to the treatment of intestinal diseases whose conventional therapy envisages medications with serious side effects that, thanks to this new strategy, can be minimized in an optimal way.

An alteration in the liver microsomal membrane of the rat following paracetamol overdose.

Fluorescence polarization of dansyl chloride covalently labelled microsomal membranes revealed an alteration in rat liver microsomal membranes following as a consequence of a paracetamol overdose. This suggests that dansyl chloride would be a useful probe in the study of the effects of paracetamol on microsomal membranes.

Screening of Protective Effect of Amifostine on Radiation-Induced Structural and Functional Variations in Rat Liver Microsomal Membranes by FT-IR Spectroscopy

In this study, the protective effect of amifostine, which is the only FDA-approved radioprotective agent, was investigated against the deleterious effects of ionizing radiation on rat liver microsomal membranes at molecular level. Sprague-Dawley rats, which were either administered amifostine or not, were whole-body irradiated with a single dose of 800 cGy and decapitated after 24 h. The microsomal membranes isolated from the livers of these rats were investigated using FT-IR spectroscopy. The results revealed that radiation caused a significant decrease in the lipid-to-protein ratio and the degradation of lipids into smaller fragments that contain less CH(2) and more carbonyl esters, olefinic═CH and CH(3) groups, which could be interpreted as a result of lipid peroxidation. Radiation altered the secondary structure of proteins by inducing a decrease in the β-sheet structures and an increase in the turns and random coil structures. Moreover, a dramatic increase in lipid order and a significant decrease in the membrane dynamics were observed in the irradiated group. The administration of amifostine before ionizing radiation inhibited all the radiation induced compositional, structural, and functional damages. In addition, these results suggest that FT-IR spectroscopy provides a novel approach to monitoring radiation-induced damage on biological membranes.

Polymeric membranes with antioxidant activity based on cellulose esters and poly(vinylidene fluoride)/cellulose ester blends

A series of novel cellulose membranes with antioxidant activity was prepared and characterized. Microcrystalline cellulose was functionalized with lipoic acid, ferulic acid and alpha-tocopherol moieties. These materials were characterized by FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy and their degree of substitution (DS) was determined by volumetric analysis. The manuscript discusses the antioxidant activity of cellulose derivatives in inhibiting lipid peroxidation in rat-liver microsomal membranes, induced in vitro by two different sources of free radicals: 2,2′-azobis-(2-amidinopropane) (AAPH), which exogenously produces peroxyl radicals by thermal decomposition, and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tert-BOOH), which endogenously produces alkoxyl radicals by Fenton reactions. Membranes were prepared by the nonsolvent-induced phase inversion technique. Membranes of the pure cellulose derivatives were thin, mechanically weak and generally unsuitable for practical application. As an alternative, mechanically resistant poly(vinylidene fluoride)/cellulose ester blend membranes were obtained by direct phase inversion of the polymer/polymer/solvent mixture. These membranes were characterized by means of water permeability measurements, optical and scanning electron microscopy, determination of the antioxidant activity in comparison with starting materials. The membranes exhibited a good preservation of peroxidation inhibition and the performance of this kind of cellulose membrane as a scavenger of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) offers interesting perspectives for an effective control of intradialytic oxidative stress.

Protein conjugated with aldehydes derived from lipid peroxidation as an independent parameter of the carbonyl stress in the kidney damage.

BackgroundOne of the well-defined and characterized protein modifications usually produced by oxidation is carbonylation, an irreversible non-enzymatic modification of proteins. However, carbonyl groups can be introduced into proteins by non-oxidative mechanisms. Reactive carbonyl compounds have been observed to have increased in patients with renal failure. In the present work we have described a procedure designed as aldehyde capture to calculate the protein carbonyl stress derived solely from lipid peroxidation.MethodsAcrolein-albumin adduct was prepared as standard at alkaline pH. Rat liver microsomal membranes and serum samples from patients with diabetic nephropathy were subjected to the aldehyde capture procedure and aldol-protein formation. Before alkalinization and incubation, samples were precipitated and redisolved in 6M guanidine. The absorbances of the samples were read with a spectrophotometer at 266 nm against a blank of guanidine.ResultsEvidence showed abundance of unsaturated aldehydes derived from lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomal membranes and in the serum of diabetic patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. Carbonyl protein and aldol-proteins resulted higher in the diabetic nephropathy patients (p < 0.004 and p < 0.0001 respectively).ConclusionThe aldehyde-protein adduct represents a non oxidative component of carbonyl stress, independent of the direct amino acid oxidation and could constitute a practical and novelty strategy to measure the carbonyl stress derived solely from lipid peroxidation and particularly in diabetic nephropathy patients. In addition, we are in a position to propose an alternative explanation of why alkalinization of urine attenuates rhabdomyolysis-induced renal dysfunction.

Antioxidant Activity of Newly Synthesized 2,7‐Diazaphenothiazines

A series of 19 derivatives of 2,7-diazaphenothiazine was synthesized and evaluated for their antioxidant activity bearing in mind the structural similarity with "classical" phenothiazines several of which are considered powerful antioxidants. Among the new derivatives that inhibited in vitro Fe(2+)/ascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation of rat liver microsomal membranes, several exhibited significant antioxidant activity with IC(50 )values in the range of 64-125 microM. Although N-substitution led to a variable degree of antioxidant activity, the latter appears to correlate with the lipophilicity (expressed as clogP values) of the substituted derivatives. Reduced lipophilicity may also explain the relatively lower protection offered by these derivatives against lipid peroxidation when compared to their "classical" phenothiazine counterparts. Thus, modification of the phenothiazine structure by a substitution of two benzene rings with pyridine rings to form this new type of azaphenothiazines does not enhance antioxidant activity, although it retains it.

L-Lysine Pro-Prodrug Containing trans-Ferulic Acid for 5-Amino Salicylic Acid Colon Delivery: Synthesis, Characterization and in Vitro Antioxidant Activity Evaluation

In the present work, we report the synthesis of a new 5-amino salicylic acid (5-ASA) pro-prodrug, useful in Crohn disease treatment, and the evaluation of its antioxidant activity. Using as pharmacological carrier L-lysine amino acid and taking advantage of its intrinsic chemical reactivity, due to the presence of two amino groups, placed on the chiral center and in epsilon-position, we inserted trans-ferulic acid in epsilon-position, through amidation reaction, esterified with methanol the carboxylic group and, finally, submitted the free amino group to diazotation with 5-ASA, principal drug for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) care. All intermediates of synthesis and the final product (derivative A) were characterized with usual spectroscopic techniques, as FT-IR, GC/MS and (1)H-MNR. Finally, the derivative A antioxidant activity in inhibiting the lipid peroxidation, in rat-liver microsomal membranes, induced in vitro by two different sources of free radicals, 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) (AAPH) and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tert-BOOH), was evaluated. Our pro-prodrug could be successfully applied in pharmaceutical field both as prodrug of 5-ASA than as carrier of trans-ferulic acid.

Amifostine, a Radioprotectant Agent, Protects Rat Hepatic Microsomal Membranes Against Ionizing Radiation Induced Damage

In the present study, the protective effect of amifostine (WR-2721), which is the only approved radioprotective agent by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), was investigated against the deleterious effects of ionizing radiation on rat liver microsomal membranes at molecular level. To achieve this, Sprague-Dawley rats, which were administered amifostine or not, were whole-body irradiated using Cobalt-60 irradiator at a single dose of 800 cGy, decapitated after 24 h and the microsomal membranes isolated from the livers of these rats were analyzed using FTIR spectroscopy. The results revealed that ionizing radiation caused a significant increase in the concentration of lipids whereas amifostine treatment restored the lipid content of microsomal membranes to control values. In addition, the significant increase in lipid order and a significant decrease in membrane dynamics resulting from ionizing radiation were prevented by amifostine. While ionizing radiation caused a significant decrease in the lipid to protein ratio, amifostine injection before radiation, maintained this ratio as in the control group. Furthermore, ionizing radiation-induced variations in protein secondary structure were restored by amifostine. In conclusion, the data obtained in this study indicate that amifostine administration to the rats prior to whole body irradiation protects liver microsomal membranes against the radiation induced damages. Supported by TUBITAK, (SBAG-2939) and by the METU (BAP-2006-07-02-0001).

A novel dextran hydrogel linking trans-ferulic acid for the stabilization and transdermal delivery of vitamin E

Long-term exposure of the skin to UV light causes degenerative effects, which can be minimized by using antioxidant formulations. The major challenge in this regard is that a significant amount of antioxidant should reach at the site for effective photoprotection. However, barrier properties of the skin limit their use. In the present study, vitamin E (α-tocopherol) was loaded into a dextran hydrogel containing ferulic moieties, covalently linked, to improve its topical delivery, and also to increase its relative poor stability, which is due to direct exposure to UV light. Methacrylic groups were first introduced onto the dextran polymer backbones, then the obtained methacrylated dextran was copolymerized with aminoethyl methacrylate, and subsequently esterificated with trans-ferulic acid. The new biopolymer was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The values of content of phenolic groups were determined. Its ability in inhibiting lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomal membranes induced in vitro by a source of free radicals, that is tert-butyl hydroperoxide, was studied. Hydrogel was also characterized for swelling behaviour, vitamin E loading efficiency, release, and deposition on the rabbit skin. Additionally, vitamin E deposition was compared through hydrogels, respectively, containing and not containing trans-ferulic acid. The results showed that ferulate hydrogel was a more effective carrier in protecting vitamin E from photodegradation than hydrogel without antioxidant moieties. Then antioxidant hydrogel could be of potential use for cosmetic and pharmaceutical purposes as carrier of vitamin E that is an antioxidant that reduces erythema, photoaging, photocarcinogenesis, edema, and skin hypersensitivity associated with exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, because of its protective effects.

Synthesis and antioxidant activity evaluation of a novel cellulose hydrogel containing trans-ferulic acid

In the present work, we report the synthesis of cellulose hydrogel containing ferulic moieties and the evaluation of its antioxidant and scavenger activity. Acrylic groups were inserted onto cellulose backbone by a heterogeneous synthesis to produce two cellulose monomers with different degree of substitution (DS). The radical copolymerization of acrylcellulose (AcrC) with N, N-dimethylacrylamide (DMAA) was carried out in NH 3/Urea aqueous solution, in a range of composition between 24 and 60 wt% of AcrC. The obtained hydrogels were characterized by infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Their equilibrium swelling degree ( α%) was evaluated. They showed good swelling behavior in simulating gastric, intracellular and intestinal fluids and no more different at various pH. The ferulic moieties were directly grafted on the free hydroxylic groups of cellulose hydrogel by acylation, using dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) and 4-hydroxybenzotriazole (HBT) as condensation agents. Finally, the antioxidant activity in inhibiting the lipid peroxidation, in rat-liver microsomal membranes, induced in vitro by two different sources of free radicals, 2,2′-azobis (2-amidinopropane) (AAPH) and tert-butyl hydroperoxide ( tert-BOOH), was evaluated. The effects of scavenging DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radicals were also investigated. Hydrogel was found to be very efficient scavengers of DPPH radicals. The results strongly suggested that the antioxidant hydrogel neutralize free radicals. This biomaterial could be successfully applied in pharmaceutical field both as prodrug of trans-ferulic acid than as carrier for photo and thermo-degradable drugs to improve their stability.

Design and Synthesis of Cellulose Derivatives with Antioxidant Activity

In this study we report the synthesis and characterisation of cellulose ferulate, lipoate and alpha-tocopherulate, and their ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation in rat-liver microsomal membranes, induced in vitro by two different sources of free radicals: tert-butyl hydroperoxide and 2,2'-azobis-(2-amidinopropane). We also compared the antioxidant efficiency of the ferulate derivatives obtained through two different synthetic runs, and of a tocopherulate derivative prepared from 6-carboxycellulose. This study showed that the designed systems, preserving the antioxidant activity of the free substrates, are more effective in protecting from tert-butyl hydroperoxide than from 2,2'-azobis-(2-amidinopropane). Moreover, the cellulose ferulate with the higher degree of substitution acted as the best antioxidant.