Incorporation of FGF-2 into Pharmaceutical Grade Fucoidan/Chitosan Polyelectrolyte Multilayers

Abstract

Biopolymer polyelectrolyte multilayers are a commonly studied soft matter system for wound healing applications due to the biocompatibility and beneficial properties of naturally occurring polyelectrolytes. In this work, a popular biopolymer, chitosan, was combined with the lesser known polysaccharide, fucoidan, to create a multilayer film capable of sequestering growth factor for later release. Fucoidan has been shown to act as a heparin-mimic due to similarities in the structure of the two molecules, however, the binding of fibroblast growth factor-2 to fucoidan has not been demonstrated in a multilayer system. This study assesses the ability of fucoidan to bind fibroblast growth factor-2 within a fucoidan/chitosan polyelectrolyte multilayer structure using attenuated total internal reflectance infrared spectroscopy and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring. The fibroblast growth factor-2 was sequestered into the polyelectrolyte multilayer as a cationic layer in the uppermost layers of the film structure. In addition, the diffusion of fibroblast growth factor-2 into the multilayer has been assessed.

Fucoidans as Scientifically and Commercially Important Algal Polysaccharides

“…Takahashi, M. et al [ 24 ] have studied the improvement of psoriasis by alteration of the gut environment by oral administration of fucoidan. Furthermore, fucoidans were recently utilized to create a multilayer film with chitosan to bind fibroblast growth factor-2 for pharmaceutical-grade use [ 25 ].…”

Fucoidan in Pharmaceutical Formulations: A Comprehensive Review for Smart Drug Delivery Systems

“…The diversity in fucoidan’s biochemical composition has enriched various scientific fields with investigations of potential bioactivities and applications. For instance, fucoidan either with low, intermediate, or high molecular weight has gained much interest recently due to its promising biological and pharmacological properties such as heparin-like anticoagulant, antitumor, anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperglycemic, antiviral, and immunomodulatory bioactivities [ 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. As a result, fucoidan-containing products are consumed widely for nutraceutical and health-promoting benefits based on unique molecular mechanisms.…”

Adhesive and Antibacterial Films Based on Marine-Derived Fucoidan and Chitosan

“…However, its bioactivity depends on the molecular weight, the extraction and purification procedures, and structure (e.g., branching, sugar and sulfate content, and sulfate group positions) . In tissue engineering (TE), fucoidan has been used to promote fibroblast proliferation and enhance the activity of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) . Herein, we propose to extend these applications of fucoidan to soft TE and wound healing applications.…”

“…19 In tissue engineering (TE), fucoidan has been used to promote fibroblast proliferation 20 and enhance the activity of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2). 21 Herein, we propose to extend these applications of fucoidan to soft TE and wound healing applications. To this end, fucoidan should be rendered adhesive to promote its tight attachment to the tissue and enhance healing.…”

“…Because the use of polymers from marine sources avoids the risk of infections and immunogenicity and has no limitations related to religious or ethical issues, as a second component of the blend, we have selected another marine-derived polymer, namely, chitosan, a cationic polysaccharide obtained from the chitin of the crustacean shells through a deacetylation process. 27 Chitosan is biodegradable and biocompatible, 28 and together with fucoidan, it can be processed into nanoparticles, 29 T h i s c o n t e n t i s hydrogels, 30 polyelectrolyte multilayers, 21 or sponges. 31 In this work, chitosan was blended with fucoidan or catecholconjugated fucoidan.…”