Caesalpinia ferrea var. ferrea seeds as a new source of partially substituted galactomannan

The potential of galactomannan from Caesalpinia ferrea on erosive dentin wear reduction in vitro

Gels containing juca seed galactomannan (JSG) were evaluated for their potential to prevent the progression of dentin erosive wear in an in vitro study with four experimental groups (n = 9). The treatments included distilled water (DW), 0.05% stannous fluoride (121 ppm F), and 0.5% or 1% JSG. The specimens underwent a cycle (3 times/day) consisting of immersion in 1% citric acid (5 minutes), treatment (5 minutes), and artificial saliva exposure (2 hours/overnight) for 5 days. Surface changes were assessed using mechanical profilometry (wear), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The data were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Tukey's post-test (p < 0.05). The negative control group exhibited the highest wear (6.0 µm ± 3.5), significantly differing from the group treated with 0.05% stannous fluoride gel (p = 0.007), which showed less dentin loss. The groups treated with 0.5% and 1% JSG showed results similar to the negative control (p = 0.661; p = 0.212, respectively) and the stannous fluoride group (p = 0.103; p = 0.379, respectively). In the SEM images, the specimen treated with stannous fluoride showed obliterated tubules, while the JSG gels formed crystals on the dentin surface, as confirmed by the presence of oxygen and calcium in the EDS analysis. Although the JSG gels showed similar results to the stannous fluoride, did not exhibit superior efficacy at the tested concentrations.

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)/galactomannan from Delonix regia seed thermal responsive graft copolymer via Schiff base reaction

Aminated poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm-NH₂) was grafted onto oxidized galactomannan polysaccharide extracted from Delonix regia (OXGM) via Schiff base reaction by a simple, rapid synthetic route, deprived of the use of organic solvents. Grafting was confirmed by FTIR and ¹H NMR and the self-organizing ability of the obtained nanoparticle copolymers was investigated by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The minimum concentration required for self-organization (CAC) at 25 °C was higher than at 50 °C. Lower critical solution temperature (LCST) was in the range 34-40 °C, depending on both inserted PNIPAm-NH₂ molar mass and on the presence of reduced imine bond. Synthesized copolymers are promising candidates for drug delivery as they show good cell viability, particle size around 250 nm and transition temperature closer to that of human body. Reaction success points out to the possibility of use free aldehyde groups of oxidized polysaccharide, not used in the copolymerization, to form a pro-drug with substances that possess NH₂ groups in their structure, such as doxorubicin.

Promising alternative gum: Extraction, characterization, and oxidation of the galactomannan of Cassia fistula

Galactomannan extracted from Cassia fistula seed endosperm present little data related to the its structural characterization. This study reports the chemical characterization of the galactomannan from Cassia fistula (CF) and their oxidized derivatives. The extracted CF presented a yield of 26.5% (w/w) and the intrinsic viscosity [η] was 9.73 dL/g. 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) confirmed that the polysaccharide has a backbone of 4-linked β-D-mannose units, and contains galactose units as pending groups. These galactose units are linked to the central core through a (1→6) linkage and the galactomannan presented Man/Gal ratio of 3.1/1. The galactomannan from Cassia fistula presents low cytotoxicity in Vero cells with a CC₅₀ > 1000 μg/ml. The properties of CF resemble other commercially important galactomannans such as Locust bean gum. Three oxidized derivatives of CF were produced by periodate oxidation, which were carefully characterized by different structural techniques. It was observed that as the degree of oxidation increased, there was an increase in the Man/Gal ratio and a reduction in molar mass and viscosity. The polialdehyde produced may be explored as a versality material to react with amine group of the protein and amined polysaccharide to produce biomaterials.

Extraction, purification and characterization of water soluble galactomannans from Mimosa pudica seeds

Water soluble galactomannans from seed endosperm of Mimosa pudica L. was extracted and characterized (Fig. 1). Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography results revealed the presence of 4-linked mannose backbone with galactose side chains linked at the C6 position. Scanning Electron Micrographs showed smooth, elongated and irregular granular structure of galactomannan. Structural analysis by Attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy presented the Mannose to Galactose ratio while the X-ray diffraction studies showed the presences of A-type crystalline pattern of the galactomannan. Thermo Gravitimetric Analysis showed the three steps weight loss event and determined the thermal stability. The results showed that the extracted polysaccharides are typically amorphous, thermally stable and have desirable properties for industrial applications.