Scavenging activities of biopolymers

CASTRO, GUILLERMO R; ZULUAGA NATALIA; KAPLAN DAVID L.

Trivandrum, India.

Conferencia; International Conference on New Horizons in Biotechnology; 2007

National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science & Technology (CSIR)

Radical production is considered one of the most detrimental actiovities during the cell metabolism. Commonly, radical production is associated to cellular death, apoptosis, and the progression of some chromnic diseases (e.g. alzheimer). Many molecules were screened and use in tirals to prevent cell damage by radical scavenging. However, few of them can be used regularly(e.g. in foods or additives) because of secojndary side effects. Among them, biopolymers are potential alternatives becasue are esasy to produce and purify, non-toxic and biodegradable. Particularly, emulsan a 1x106 MW polymer produced by A. veneitanus and composed sa sugar backbone and fatty acids from C10 to C20 by N-acyl or O-ester bonds, and up to 23 % composition.Based on previous works on emulsan biological activities as immunomodulator, inducer of macrophage activation, and its potential use in drug deliver, the present study will show the potential use as radical scavenger.Emulsans in the range of 5 to 100mg/l is able to scavenging 4-oxo Tempo and the HO. radical produced by the Fenton reactioon using Rose Bengal as probe. The scavenging activity of emulsan is slightly affected by ionic strenght, temprature, and pH. Potential apllications o emulsan as scavenger wil be discussed.