Chitosan-based matrix as a carrier for bacteriophages

Wound healing is a dynamic and complex process where infection prevention is essential. Chitosan, thanks to its bactericidal activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as anti-inflammatory and hemostatic properties, is an excellent candidate to design dressings for difficult-to-heal wound treatment. The great advantage of this biopolymer is its capacity to be chemically modified, which allows for the production of various functional forms, depending on the needs and subsequent use. Moreover, chitosan can be an excellent polymer matrix for bacteriophage (phage) packing as a novel alternative/supportive antibacterial therapy approach. This study is focused on the preparation and characteristics of chitosan-based material in the form of a film with the addition of Pseudomonas lytic phages (KTN4, KT28, and LUZ19), which would exhibit antibacterial activity as a potential dressing that accelerates the wound healing. We investigated the method of producing a polymer based on microcrystalline chitosan (MKCh) to serve as the matrix for phage deposition. We described some important parameters such as average molar mass, swelling capacity, surface morphology, phage release profile, and antibacterial activity tested in the Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial model. The chitosan polysaccharide turned out to interact with phage particles immobilizing them within a material matrix. Nevertheless, with the high hydrophilicity and swelling features of the prepared material, the external solution of bacterial culture was absorbed and phages went in direct contact with bacteria causing their lysis in the polymer matrix. KEY POINTS: • A novel chitosan-based matrix with the addition of active phages was prepared • Phage interactions with the chitosan matrix were determined as electrostatic • Phages in the matrix work through direct contact with the bacterial cells.

Chitin and Chitosan as Polymers of the Future-Obtaining, Modification, Life Cycle Assessment and Main Directions of Application

Natural polymers are very widespread in the world, which is why it is so important to know about the possibilities of their use. Chitin is the second most abundant reproducible natural polymer in nature; however, it is insoluble in water and basic solvents. Chitin is an unused waste of the food industry, for which there are possibilities of secondary management. The research led to obtaining a soluble, environmentally friendly form of chitin, which has found potential applications in the many fields, e.g., medicine, cosmetics, food and textile industries, agriculture, etc. The deacetylated form of chitin, which is chitosan, has a number of beneficial properties and wide possibilities of modification. Modification possibilities mean that we can obtain chitosan with the desired functional properties, facilitating, for example, the processing of this polymer and expanding the possibilities of its application, also as biomimetic materials. The review contains a rich description of the possibilities of modifying chitin and chitosan and the main directions of their application, and life cycle assessment (LCA)-from the source of the polymer through production materials to various applications with the reduction of waste.

The Use of Carbohydrate Biopolymers in Plant Protection against Pathogenic Fungi

Fungal pathogens cause significant yield losses of many important crops worldwide. They are commonly controlled with fungicides which may have negative impact on human health and the environment. A more sustainable plant protection can be based on carbohydrate biopolymers because they are biodegradable and may act as antifungal compounds, effective elicitors or carriers of active ingredients. We reviewed recent applications of three common polysaccharides (chitosan, alginate and cellulose) to crop protection against pathogenic fungi. We distinguished treatments dedicated for seed sowing material, field applications and coating of harvested fruits and vegetables. All reviewed biopolymers were used in the three types of treatments, therefore they proved to be versatile resources for development of plant protection products. Antifungal activity of the obtained polymer formulations and coatings is often enhanced by addition of biocontrol microorganisms, preservatives, plant extracts and essential oils. Carbohydrate polymers can also be used for controlled-release of pesticides. Rapid development of nanotechnology resulted in creating new promising methods of crop protection using nanoparticles, nano-/micro-carriers and electrospun nanofibers. To summarize this review we outline advantages and disadvantages of using carbohydrate biopolymers in plant protection.

Biopolymers and Biomaterials for Special Applications within the Context of the Circular Economy

The main challenge of the economy is counteracting the adverse effects of progressive industrialisation on the environment around the world. Economic development that accompanies this trend correlates to production increase in not only consumer articles but also special application articles that are difficult to remanufacture, such as medical supplies. For many researchers, discovering innovative materials for special applications that could become an essential element of circular economy production is important. Measures to reduce the production of industrial materials whose waste is difficult to recycle are more and more apparent to manufacturers, especially when faced with the new financial situation in European Union, as one of its priorities is to implement the principles of circular economy. The purpose of the article is to analyse the current state of research on special-application biomaterials within the context of the circular economy. Empirical analysis is conducted for Poland compared to the rest of the European Union (EU) within the time-frame of 2014-2020, which is the most recent financial timeframe of the EU. The submitted studies are based on secondary data obtained mainly from European databases, as well as primary data resulting from the research works at Łukasiewicz Research Network-Institute of Biopolymers and Chemical Fibres.

The use of natural polymers for treatments enhancing sowing material

Biopolymers from a group of polysaccharides are used in treatments enhancing sowing material of crops due to their physical and chemical properties, susceptibility to chemical modification, biodegradability and high bioactivity. Natural polymers, such as: chitosan, alginian, celulose, galaktoglucomannans, lignin and gellan gum, can be used as binders in seed coating or carriers of active substances and microorganisms. Moreover, biopolymers contained in the seed coatings and seed dressings can protect germinating seeds from unfavorable influence of environment and pathogens.

FUNCTIONAL THREE-COMPONENT POLYMERIC BIOCOMPOSITES FOR THE TREATMENT OF BEDSORES

Presented here are the results of investigations into the preparation of three-component dressing materials from various biopolymers in the form of a single-layer film which is suitable as a carrier for pain-relieving (lidocaine) and bacteriostatic (sulphanilamid) therapeutic agents. Physical-chemical, biological and usable properties of the prepared materials were tested and assessed. The amount of added active substance was adopted based on the dose recommended by the Polish Pharmacopeia for external medicinal preparations. Antibacterial activity against gram (-) Escherichia coli and gram (+) Staphylococcus aureus was assessed in some of the biocomposites by quantitative methods. The cytotoxic action in direct contact with the mouse fibroblast NCTC clone 929 was also estimated. Thermal analysis (DSC), infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were employed to investigate the impact of the variable contents of chitosan, alginate, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and the active substance upon the chemical- and phase-structure of the prepared three-component polymeric biocomposites. It was found that the quantitative composition of the biocomposites and the additive of active substances lidocaine and sulphanilamide exert a vital impact upon their physical-mechanical and usable properties (imbibition, absorption). Investigations into the release of the medicinal substance from the investigated biocomposites to an acceptor fluid led to the conclusion that the kinetics of the process may be described by a complex first order rate equation with two exponential functions.

The evaluation of resorbable haemostatic wound dressings in contact with blood in vitro

PURPOSE

For many years research has been conducted on the development of resorbable, polymer, haemostatic materials designed to provide first aid and preliminary protection of injuries. The biological properties in vitro of a dressing in powder form called Hemoguard are expected to provide the ability to instantaneously stem bleeding with safe conditions of use. The aim of the study was to evaluate the haemostatic properties of a model of dressing based on micro- and nanofibrids of the chitosan, sodium/calcium alginate and/or carboxymethylcellulose complex. Dressings were prepared by spray-drying and freeze-drying.

METHODS

Human whole blood was subjected to timed contact with the haemostatic dressing model. Haemolytic action was determined by assaying the degree of haemolysis and evaluating blood cell morphology. Haemostatic action was determined on the basis of selected parameters of plasmatic clotting systems.

RESULTS

Dressings prepared by freeze-drying activated the coagulation system. The haemolytic index, plasma haemoglobin concentration values and blood cell morphological shapes were normal. Dressings prepared by spray-drying significantly activated coagulation. Activation of the coagulation process was evidenced by shorter clotting time of the plasma coagulation system and a longer process of clot formation. The dressing was associated with an increased haemolytic index and higher plasma haemoglobin concentration. The morphological shape of blood cells changed.

CONCLUSIONS

The model of multi-resorbable wound dressings has haemostatic properties. The materials activate the clotting process more quickly than a single-dressing model. Increased activity was found for dressings prepared by spray-drying.

[Chitosan-alginate biocomposites in the form of films used in bedsores treatment]

During recent years here has been a growing interest in developing dressing materials that would provide protection and more effective treatment of bedsores in different phases of healing and at the same time would play a role as a carrier of active substances. Dressings of this type should be made of special biodegradable polymeric materials which are good promoters of absorption of the active substances and characterized by good sorption properties. The paper presents preliminary studies related to the development composite films produced on the basis of biopolymers--chitosan and sodium alginate, with the participation of anti-inflammatory product. Studies concerning the assessment of sorption, physic-mechanical and biological properties suggest a potential opportunity to use this materials for the treatment of bedsores in the first phase of healing.