Polysaccharide Fucoidan Research Articles

Сравнительное исследование элементов и биохимических компонентов стерильных и фертильных бурых водорослей Ascophyllum nodosum

Brown algae are a valuable renewable bioresource and are also important organisms to monitor due to anthropogenic impacts in the Arctic. In both cases, the content of natural elements and their potential seasonal variations are important knowledge for developing a monitoring program and planning biomass collection. The purpose of this work was a comparative study of the influence of the reproductive phase and biochemical characteristics on the elemental composition of Ascophyllum nodosum from the Barents Sea, the Irminger Sea and the Norwegian Sea. The content of polysaccharides (alginic acid, laminaran, fucoidan and mannitol) and 12 elements was studied. It was shown that the content of Fe, Al, Co, Cu correlates significantly in pairs, regardless of the presence of receptors in algae (r = 0.71–0.95, p < 0.05). It has been shown that the content of alginic acid significantly correlates with Co, Ca, Cu, As, Rb (r = –0.95, –0.89, –0.89, –0.88, –0.81, p ˂ 0.05, respectively) in sterile algae A. nodosum. Also for sterile individuals, a direct correlation of mannitol with Ca, Cu, Co, Rb, Sr, Al, Ba, Fe, Mn was noted (r = 0.98, 0.95, 0.93, 0.92, 0.91, 0.89, 0.82, 0.78, 0.76, р ˂ 0.05, respectively) and polyphenols with Zn (r = 0.94 at р ˂ 0.05) and As (r = 0.85 at р ˂ 0.05). For the first time, a direct correlation between the accumulation of alginic acid and fucoidan has been revealed for A. nodosum from the Arctic seas, which is not associated with the reproductive phase of the algae.

Laminaria japonica Polysaccharide Regulates Fatty Hepatosis Through Bile Acids and Gut Microbiota in Diabetes Rat.

In this study, we examined the effect of Laminaria japonica polysaccharide (fucoidan) on the regulation of lipid metabolism. A rat model of diabetes mellitus (DM) was established by a high-sugar and high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin. Changes in the rats' body weight and blood glucose level during the experiment were recorded. Before the end of the experiment, an automatic biochemical analyzer was used to detect the fasting blood glucose (FBG), lipid content in serum, and insulin content, and calculate the insulin resistance index. Oil red O staining was used to detect lipid deposition in the liver. H&E staining, Masson staining, and PASM staining were used to observe the pathological structural changes in the liver. 16s RNA sequencing and targeted metabolomics were used to detect intestinal microbiota and bile acid content. The results showed that fucoidan was able to inhibit weight loss in the DM rats and reduce the content of triglycerides (TG), cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) in serum. Oil red O staining showed a decrease in liver fat accumulation after fucoidan treatment. 16s RNA sequencing demonstrated that fucoidan increased the abundance of Bacteroidia, Campylobacteria, Clostridia, Gammaproteobacteria, Negativicutes, and Verrucomicrobi. Fucoidan also increased the secretion of secondary bile acids (Nor-DCA, TLCA, β-UDCA) and alleviated lipid metabolism disorders. The expression of α-SMA was inhibited by fucoidan, whereas the expression of FXR and TGR5 was promoted. Fucoidan shows good activity in regulating lipid metabolism by regulating the expression of FXR and TGR5 and acting on the intestinal flora-bile acid axis.

Fucoidan based polymeric nanoparticles encapsulating epirubicin: A novel and effective chemotherapeutic formulation against colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common and challenging malignancy that needs some effective and safer chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment. In this study, anticancer agent epirubicin (Epi) was loaded in polymeric polyethylene glycol-polylactic acid-nanoparticles (mPEG-PLA-NPs) coated with a marine anti-cancer non-toxic polysaccharide fucoidan (FC), to achieve a synergistic activity against CRC. The characterization of the NPs revealed that they were spherical, monodispersed, stable, with a negative zeta potential, and exhibited good biocompatibility and controlled release. In vitro anti-cancer activity of the NPs on HCT116 cell line was found to be promising, and corroborated well with in vivo studies involving BALB/C mice injected with C26 murine cancer cells. The outcome of MTT assay demonstrated that IC50 value of free Epi was 3.72 µM, and that of non-coated and coated Epi nano-formulations was 33.67 and 10.19 µM, respectively. Higher tumor regression, better survival and reduced off-side cardiotoxicity were observed when this novel NPs formulation was used to treat tumor-bearing mice. Free FC and Epi treated mice showed 37.73 % and 61.49 % regression in tumor size, whereas there was 79.76 % and 90.34 % tumor regression in mice treated with non-coated Epi NPs and coated Epi NPs, respectively. Therefore, mPEG-PLA-FC-Epi-NPs hold a potential to be used as an effective chemotherapeutic formulation against CRC, since it exhibited better efficacy and lower toxicity.

Chemically modified seaweed polysaccharides: Improved functional and biological properties and prospective in food applications.

Seaweed polysaccharides are natural biomacromolecules with unique physicochemical properties (e.g., good gelling, emulsifying, and film-forming properties) and diverse biological activities (e.g., anticoagulant, antioxidant, immunoregulatory, and antitumor effects). Furthermore, they are nontoxic, biocompatible and biodegradable, and abundant in resources. Therefore, they have been widely utilized in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. However, their properties and bioactivities sometimes are not satisfactory for some purposes. Modification of polysaccharides can impart the amphiphilicity and new functions to the biopolymers and change the structure and conformation, thus effectively improving their functional properties and biological activities so as to meet the requirement for targeted applications. This review outlined the modification methods of representative red algae polysaccharides (carrageenan and agar), brown algae polysaccharides (fucoidan, alginate, and laminaran), and green algae polysaccharides (ulvan) that have potential food applications, including etherification, esterification, degradation, sulfation, phosphorylation, selenylation, and so on. The improved functional properties and bioactivities of the modified seaweed polysaccharides and their potential food applications are also summarized.

Refined linkage analysis of the sulphated marine polysaccharide fucoidan of Cladosiphon okamuranus with a focus on fucose

Methylation followed by depolymerization and gas chromatography (GC) is an effective methodology for the linkage analysis of polysaccharides, including fucoidan, a sulphated algal polysaccharide. However, this sample material demands attention to experimental details to prevent aberrations in the analytical result. The use of deficient bases for methylation, the presence of water, analyte degradation during hydrolysis, and coelution of the target analytes during gas chromatography create doubts about published results. We therefore investigated critical parameters of the method and carefully optimized the steps of the protocol to ensure the integrity of the results for the fucose monomers.Fucoidan from Cladosiphon okamuranus was used as reference sample to determine the glycosidic bonds, and sulphate positions in the monomer. Fucoidan in protonated form was methylated in a strictly water-free environment using lithium dimsyl as base and methyl iodide for methylation. The methylated polymer was isolated by solid phase extraction, which was crucial to recover also the highly sulfated fraction. Hydrolysis was conducted with trifluoroacetic acid. To separate all target analytes in GC-FID/MS, a stationary phase with high cyanopropyl content (HP-88) was required, as the commonly employed phenyl siloxane phases result in co-elution, which distorts the result severely.

Fucoidan-based bosutinib nanocrystals for pulmonary drug delivery: Solid state characterization and in-vitro assessment

Biopolymer based nanomedicine for pulmonary delivery is safe and effective in lung cancer therapy. Current work addressed marine polysaccharide fucoidan fabricated bosutinib nanocrystals (FBNC) as dry powder for inhalation (DPI). Microscopic characterization uncovered the cubic-shaped amorphous nanocrystals of about 150 nm with high homogeneity (polydispersity index < 0.3). The lyophilized nanocrystals were stable for 6 months at 4 ℃ and contained approximately 50 % drug. The solid-state characterization of FBNC including FTIR, XRD, DSC, XPS, solid-state NMR and BET revealed the conversion of crystalline bosutinib to amorphous nanocrystals with about 10-fold increase in surface area and saturation solubility. An in-vitro drug release study in simulated lung fluid showed over five-fold improvement in drug dissolution by nanocrystals than coarse drugs. The mucus permeation efficiency of nanocrystal also increased over five-times than coarse drug. The flow property analysis and aerosolization investigation revealed excellent flowability and good aerosolization performance (ED: 70–80 % and FPD: 40–60 %) indicating the nanocrystals capability in drug delivery to deep lungs. In conclusion, polysaccharide fucoidan stabilized bosutinib nanocrystals can be a novel drug delivery system for pulmonary administration as dry powder for inhalation.

Electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds as a platform to reduce melanoma tumour growth, recurrence, and promote post-resection wound repair

Wound healing following skin tumour surgery still remains a major challenge. To address this issue, polysaccharide-loaded nanofibrous mats have been engineered as skin patches on the wound site to improve wound healing while simultaneously eliminating residual cancer cells which may cause cancer relapse. The marine derived polysaccharides kappa-carrageenan (KCG) and fucoidan (FUC) were blended with polydioxanone (PDX) nanofibers due to their inherent anti-cancer activity conferred by the sulphate groups as well as their immunomodulatory properties which can reduce inflammation resulting in accelerated wound healing. KCG and FUC were released sustainably from the blend nanofibers via the Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetics. MTT assays, live/dead staining and SEM images demonstrated the toxicity of KCG and FUC towards skin cancer MP 41 cells. In addition, MP 41 cells showed reduced metastatic potential when grown on KCG or FUC containing mats. Both KCG and FUC were non- cytotoxic to healthy L 929 fibroblast cells. In vivo studies on healthy Wistar rats confirmed the non-toxicity of the nanofibrous patches as well as their improved and scarless wound healing potential. In vivo studies on tumour xenograft model further showed a reduction of 7.15 % in tumour volume in only 4 days following application of the transdermal patch.

Direct Degradation of Fresh and Dried Macroalgae by Agarivorans albus B2Z047.

Marine macroalgae are increasingly recognized for their significant biological and economic potential. The key to unlocking this potential lies in the efficient degradation of all carbohydrates from the macroalgae biomass. However, a variety of polysaccharides (alginate, cellulose, fucoidan, and laminarin), are difficult to degrade simultaneously in a short time. In this study, the brown alga Saccharina japonica was found to be rapidly and thoroughly degraded by the marine bacterium Agarivorans albus B2Z047. This strain harbors a broad spectrum of carbohydrate-active enzymes capable of degrading various polysaccharides, making it uniquely equipped to efficiently break down both fresh and dried kelp, achieving a hydrolysis rate of up to 52%. A transcriptomic analysis elucidated the presence of pivotal enzyme genes implicated in the degradation pathways of alginate, cellulose, fucoidan, and laminarin. This discovery highlights the bacterium's capability for the efficient and comprehensive conversion of kelp biomass, indicating its significant potential in biotechnological applications for macroalgae resource utilization.

An Effective Method to Prepare Curcumin-Loaded Soy Protein Isolate Nanoparticles Co-Stabilized by Carrageenan and Fucoidan.

In this study, a novel and simple strategy is proposed based on 3D network formed by easily blending polysaccharide carrageenan (Car) and fucoidan (Fuc) without a crosslinker. The Fuc/Car dual coating effectively assists the self-assembly of soy protein-isolated (SPI)/curcumin (Cur, C) composite microcapsules (SPI/C) and achieves an excellent curcumin encapsulation efficiency (EE) up to 95.28% with a 4.16% loading capacity (LC) under optimal conditions. The resulting nanocomposites achieved a satisfying redispersibility in aqueous solution and enhanced the water solubility with a lower size dispersity index (PDI) of 0.12 and a larger zeta potential of -29.67 mV. The Fuc/Car double-layer network not only dramatically improved its thermal stability and photostability, but also provided controlled release and enhanced antioxidant activity in in vitro conditions. The underlying mechanism of the self-assembly of the curcumin-loaded nanoparticles was also addressed. The results proved the feasibility of the encapsulation of unstable hydrophobic bioactive substances (curcumin) with the dual anionic polysaccharide Fuc/Car co-stabilized SPI nanoparticles. This study paves the way for an alternative way of developing novel curcumin delivery systems and will have broad prospects in the pharmaceutical industries.

Anti-biofilm activity of marine algae-derived bioactive compounds.

A large number of microbial species tend to communicate and produce biofilm which causes numerous microbial infections, antibiotic resistance, and economic problems across different industries. Therefore, advanced anti-biofilms are required with novel attributes and targets, such as quorum sensing communication system. Meanwhile, quorum sensing inhibitors as promising anti-biofilm molecules result in the inhibition of particular phenotype expression blocking of cell-to-cell communication, which would be more acceptable than conventional strategies. Many natural products are identified as anti-biofilm agents from different plants, microorganisms, and marine extracts. Marine algae are promising sources of broadly novel compounds with anti-biofilm activity. Algae extracts and their metabolites such as sulfated polysaccharides (fucoidan), carotenoids (zeaxanthin and lutein), lipid and fatty acids (γ-linolenic acid and linoleic acid), and phlorotannins can inhibit the cell attachment, reduce the cell growth, interfere in quorum sensing pathway by blocking related enzymes, and disrupt extracellular polymeric substances. In this review, the mechanisms of biofilm formation, quorum sensing pathway, and recently identified marine algae natural products as anti-biofilm agents will be discussed.

Investigation of Physical Characteristics and In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Fucoidan from Padina arborescens: A Comprehensive Assessment against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation.

A biocompatible, heterogeneous, fucose-rich, sulfated polysaccharide (fucoidan) is biosynthesized in brown seaweed. In this study, fucoidan was isolated from Padina arborescens (PAC) using celluclast-assisted extraction, purified, and evaluated for its anti-inflammatory potential in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Structural analyses were performed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy. Among the purified fucoidans, fucoidan fraction 5 (F5) exhibited strong inhibitory activity against LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production and pro-inflammatory cytokine generation through the regulation of iNOS/COX-2, MAPK, and NF-κB signaling in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Determination of the structural characteristics indicated that purified F5 exhibited characteristics similar to those of commercial fucoidan. In addition, further analyses suggested that F5 inhibits LPS-induced toxicity, cell death, and NO generation in zebrafish models. Taken together, these findings imply that P. arborescens fucoidans have exceptional anti-inflammatory action, both in vitro and in vivo, and that they may have prospective uses in the functional food sector.

The Effects of Fucoidan Derived from Sargassum filipendula and Fucus vesiculosus on the Survival and Mineralisation of Osteogenic Progenitors.

Osteosarcoma is a bone cancer primarily affecting teenagers. It has a poor prognosis and diminished quality of life after treatment due to chemotherapy side effects, surgical complications and post-surgical osteoporosis risks. The sulphated polysaccharide fucoidan, derived from brown algae, has been a subject of interest for its potential anti-cancer properties and its impact on bone regeneration. This study explores the influence of crude, low-molecular-weight (LMW, 10-50 kDa), medium-molecular-weight (MMW, 50-100 kDa) and high-molecular-weight (HMW, >100 kDa) fractions from Sargassum filipendula, harvested from the Colombian sea coast, as well as crude fucoidan from Fucus vesiculosus, on a specific human osteoprogenitor cell type, human embryonic-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy coupled with attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR) results showed the highest sulphation levels and lowest uronic acid content in crude extract from F. vesiculosus. There was a dose-dependent drop in focal adhesion formation, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of cells for all fucoidan types, but the least toxicity was observed for LMW and MMW. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), JC-1 (5,50,6,60-tetrachloro-1,10,3,30-tetraethylbenzimi-dazolylcarbocyanine iodide) staining and cytochrome c analyses confirmed mitochondrial damage, swollen ER and upregulated autophagy due to fucoidans, with the highest severity in the case of F. vesiculosus fucoidan. Stress-induced apoptosis-like cell death by F. vesiculosus fucoidan and stress-induced necrosis-like cell death by S. filipendula fucoidans were also confirmed. LMW and MMW doses of <200 ng/mL were the least toxic and showed potential osteoinductivity. This research underscores the multifaceted impact of fucoidans on osteoprogenitor cells and highlights the delicate balance between potential therapeutic benefits and the challenges involved in using fucoidans for post-surgery treatments in patients with osteosarcoma.

Bilayer coatings for extension of the shelf life of fish fillets: Incorporating seaweed sulfated polysaccharides in chitosan-alginate LbL structures.

The aim of this study was to develop a new active coating of layer-by-layer (LbL) structure composed of alginate (as polyanions) and chitosan (as a polycation) containing sulfated polysaccharide (fucoidan) from Sargassum angustifolium, to protect rainbow trout fillets during refrigerated storage. Chitosan and alginate do not combine with each other as a homogeneous solution, so they are suitable for multilayer coatings. The results demonstrated that coating samples with chitosan and fucoidan significantly improved the quality of fish fillets and extended their shelf life from 6 to 16 days. The chemical values (TBARS and TVB-N) and bacterial growth (total viable count (TVC), total psychrophilic count (PTC), and lactic acid bacteria (LAB)) indicated lower levels in the LbL coating samples containing fucoidan compared to the alginate and control samples. Among the different coating samples, the LbL coating with fucoidan (AChF1) exhibited lower weight loss, improved chromaticity (L*, a*, and b*), and minimal changes in mechanical and sensory evaluations. Based on the findings, AChF1 was the most effective treatment for increasing the shelf life of rainbow trout fillets during refrigerated storage. Therefore, it has potential applications in the food packaging industry.

Production process of new generation energy gels based on brown seaweed Fucus

The article presents the innovative development of a fucus-based energy gel. The gel is easy to use during high physical activity and it does not cause a thirsty feeling after consumption. The polysaccharide fucoidan of fucus has antiseptic, immunomodulatory, blood thinning and many other properties. The innovative technology opens fucus cells without high temperature exploration and additional chemical agents. Thus, the entire spectrum of biopolymers, vitamins, macro- and microelements vital for the restoration and normal functioning of the human body becomes available. The latest technology developed for processing seaweeds can be used to produce energy gels for athletes.

Copper-Bearing Metal-Organic Framework with Mucus-Penetrating Function for the Multi-Effective Clearance of Mucosal Colonized Helicobacter pylori.

Helicobacter pylori colonizes over 50% of people worldwide. Biofilm formation through penetrating gastric mucus and resistance acquired by H. pylori markedly reduces the efficacy of traditional antibiotics. The present triple therapy and bismuth-based quadruple therapy inevitably causes intestinal flora disturbance and fails to address the excessive H. pylori-triggered inflammatory response. Herein, a mucus-permeable therapeutic platform (Cu-MOF@NF) that consists of copper-bearing metal-organic framework (Cu-MOF) loaded with nitrogen-doped carbon dots and naturally active polysaccharide fucoidan is developed. The experimental results demonstrate that Cu-MOF@NF can penetrate the mucus layer and hinder H. pylori from adhering on gastric epithelial cells of the stomach. Notably, released Cu2+ can degrade the polysaccharides in the biofilm and interfere with the cyclic growing mode of "bacterioplankton ↔ biofilm", thereby preventing recurrent and persistent infection. Compared with traditional triple therapy, the Cu-MOF@NF not only possesses impressive antibacterial effect (even include multidrug-resistant strains), but also improves the inflammatory microenvironment without disrupting the balance of intestinal flora, providing a more efficient, safe, and antibiotic-free new approach to eradicating H. pylori.

Fortification of Emulsions Stabilized by an Authentic Bioactive Complex into a Complex Heterogeneous Food Matrix

The issues of proper nutrition safety and life quality improvement cover all segments of the food industry. The product development of a new format with added utility can solve the issues. The article aim is to develop and study the applicability of authentic bioactive complexes to stabilize and ensure the bioactive properties of a Pickering emulsion used for subsequent fortification into a food heterogeneous matrix. When producing stabilized Pickering emulsions, a man run the research of the spatial and molecular level of the fortifier bond formation with the feedstock components. The combined sample of bioactive substances included: brown algae polysaccharides (fucoidan and Alg-Na); sonochemically modified starch containing 50.8 % of the RS2 prebiotic; extracted phenolic substances of T. cordifolia extract (berberine alkaloid); zinc oxide ZnO as an antimicrobial component. An effective tool to minimize the factors limiting the fine-dispersed distribution, provided the properties preservation, is physical exposure based on the cavitation effects of low-frequency ultrasound. A man revealed the high stability of the systems (99.9 %) while adding 1.5 % micronized zinc oxide, at the viscosity of 342 MPa·sec and AOA of 92.9 % of the DPPH. During the production of stabilized Pickering emulsions using sonochemical ultrasound exposure, the dispersion of ZnO and the AOA of the berberine alkaloid has changed. When using T. cordifolia extract and zinc oxide as a part of two-component compositions for starch-based Pickering emulsions stabilization, there was an increase in the AOA values and the stability preservation of the obtained emulsions. The advantage of the sonochemically modified starch introduction for the Pickering emulsion stabilization is that during the modification process the amylose proportion in native starch increases, which is stable in the digestion processes in the thin part of the gastrointestinal tract and is fermented only in the thick section. The functional and technological properties of RS2, particularly, its emulsifying ability, provide the high stability of Pickering emulsions stabilized with starch composition (50.8 % RS2) and T. cordifolia (0.2 %).

Protein-polysaccharide nanoconjugates: Potential tools for delivery of plant-derived nutraceuticals.

Protein-polysaccharide nanoconjugates are covalently interactive networks that are currently the subject of intense research owing to their emerging applications in the food nanotechnology field. Due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability properties, they have played a significant role as wall materials for the formation of various nanostructures to encapsulate nutraceuticals. The food-grade protein-polysaccharide nanoconjugates would be employed to enhance the delivery and stability of nutraceuticals for their real use in the food industry. The most common edible polysaccharides (cellulose, chitosan, pectin, starch, carrageenan, fucoidan, mannan, glucomannan, and arabic gum) and proteins (silk fibroin, collagen, gelatin, soy protein, corn zein, and wheat gluten) have been used as potential building blocks in nano-encapsulation systems because of their excellent physicochemical properties. This article broadens the discussion of food-grade proteins and polysaccharides as nano-encapsulation biomaterials and their fabrication methods, along with a review of the applications of protein-polysaccharide nanoconjugates in the delivery of plant-derived nutraceuticals.

Relationship between arsenic content and macroelements, microelements, and polysaccharides in Sargassum horridum (Ochrophyta, Phaeophyceae) in the Gulf of California, Mexico

Sargassum species are known for their capacity to accumulate toxic elements, which may pose environmental risks and limit their use. Arsenic accumulation in Sargassum may vary in response to environmental and physiological conditions. Moreover, interactions between chemical elements may result in synergistic or antagonistic effects. This study determined the variability in the concentration of macroelements (N, P, K) and microelements (As, Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Mn) through time and between growth stages in Sargassum horridum from a site adjacent to a phosphorite deposit in the Gulf of California. A generalized linear model (GLM) was performed to assess the influence of other concurrent elements, polysaccharides (alginate and fucoidan), and their main functional groups (uronic acids and sulfate) on arsenic content. Elemental concentrations showed the following decreasing order: N > K > P > Fe > Mn > Zn > Cd > As > Cu > Pb. Arsenic concentration was 4.33 ± 0.20 mg kg-1. Significant differences in element concentrations were found by month and growth stage. The main variables associated with arsenic accumulation in S. horridum were potassium, nitrogen, zinc, fucoidan, sulfate from fucoidan, and alginate. The implications of the arsenic, cadmium, and lead concentrations in S. horridum and its potential applications in food, feed, and agricultural contexts are discussed. This research sheds light on the dynamic nature of elements accumulation in Sargassum, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and context-specific understanding of elemental variations within Sargassum for safe and responsible applications.

Fucoidan and dendrimer-based nanocapsule exhibiting effectiveness in methotrexate controlled delivery towards rheumatoid arthritis treatment

In recent years, nanomaterials have been intensively studied and applied in various fields, including pharmaceutical applications. This platform can act as a carrier for anticancer drugs or for insoluble bioactive compounds. To increase the stability and prolong the effect of anticancer drugs, we have incorporated a sulfated polysaccharide fucoidan (Fu) into PAMAM dendrimer G3.0 to form a G3.0-Fu complex. Then, a nano-sized encapsulated anticancer drug, methotrexate (MTX), was successfully embedded in the synthesised dendrimer complex namely G3.0-Fu/MTX. Newly synthesised G3.0-Fu/MTX was characterised by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential measurement.Additionally, the loading efficiency of MTX was assessed via UV spectroscopy. Our findings revealed that upon combining with Fu, the G3.0 nanoparticle size increased from 4.3 ± 1.1 nm to 56 ± 6 nm. The changes in zeta potential aligned with drug entrapment efficiency and the results from TEM and DLS. The drug release activity of G3.0-Fu/MTX was increased compared to free MTX after 24 h. G3.0-Fu also showed high cytocompatibility in fibroblast cells. Taken together, the G3.0-Fu could be used to increase the encapsulation of several kinds of hydrophobic drugs and G3.0-Fu/MTX could be further studied in rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

Fucoidan- and Ciprofloxacin-Doped Plasma-Activated Polymer Coatings on Biodegradable Zinc: Hemocompatibility and Drug Release.

Blood-contacting medical devices such as biodegradable metallic bone implant materials are expected to show excellent hemocompatibility both in vitro and in vivo. Different approaches are being studied and used to modify biomaterial surfaces for enhanced biocompatibility and hemocompatibility. However, the composition of degradable biomaterial must address several drawbacks at once. Iron-reinforced zinc material was used as a metallic substrate with improved mechanical properties when compared with those of pure zinc. Poly(lactic) acid (PLA) or polyethylenimine (PEI) was selected as a polymeric matrix for further doping with antibiotic ciprofloxacin (CPR) and marine-sourced polysaccharide fucoidan (FU), which are known for their antibacterial and potential anticoagulant properties, respectively. Radiofrequency air plasma was employed to induce metallic/polymer-coated surface activation before further modification with FU/CPR. Sample surface morphology and composition were studied and evaluated (contact angle measurements, AFM, SEM, and FT-IR) along with the hemolysis ratio and platelet adhesion test. Successful doping of the polymer layer by FU/CRP was confirmed. While PEI induced severe hemolysis over 12%, the PLA-coated samples exhibited even lower hemolysis (∼2%) than uncoated samples while the uncoated samples showed the lowest platelet adhesion. Moreover, gradual antibiotic release from PLA determined by the electrochemical methods using screen-printed carbon electrodes was observed after 24, 48, and 72 h, making the PLA-coated zinc-based material an attractive candidate for biodegradable material design.