The Comparative Immunotropic Activity of Carrageenan, Chitosan and Their Complexes

Abstract

The immunotropic activity of polyelectrolyte complexes (PEC) of κ-carrageenan (κ-CGN) and chitosan (CH) of various compositions was assessed in comparison with the initial polysaccharides in comparable doses. For this, two soluble forms of PEC, with an excess of CH (CH:CGN mass ratios of 10:1) and with an excess of CGN (CH: CGN mass ratios of 1:10) were prepared. The ability of PEC to scavenge NO depended on the content of the κ-CGN in the PEC. The ability of the PEC to induce the synthesis of pro-inflammatory (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)) and anti-inflammatory (interleukine-10 (IL-10)) cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cell was determined by the activity of the initial κ-CGN, regardless of their composition. The anti-inflammatory activity of PEC and the initial compounds was studied using test of histamine-, concanavalin A-, and sheep erythrocyte immunization-induced inflammation in mice. The highest activity of PEC, as well as the initial polysaccharides κ-CGN and CH, was observed in a histamine-induced exudative inflammation, directly related to the activation of phagocytic cells, i.e., macrophages and neutrophils.

Proso-Millet-Starch-Based Edible Films: An Innovative Approach for Food Industries

“…The gelling power of k-carrageenan (a family of linear sulfated polysaccharides derived from Rhodophyceae red seaweeds) enhances its good brittle film-forming ability, and starch-κ-carrageenan blends result in the formation of edible coating with good filmforming and mechanical properties [16][17][18][19]. Carrageenans have been studied for their bioactive activities, including antioxidant, antiviral and antibacterial, and are increasingly used for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and food purposes [20][21][22][23].…”

Eco-friendly synthesis of chitosan and its medical application: from chitin extraction to nanoparticle preparation

“…Carrageenan (κ-carrageenan) and chitosan were used to form polyelectrolyte complexes (PEC) ( Figure 5 ). Not only does it function as a drug delivery system, tissue regeneration, cell cultivation, and enzyme immobilization, but the PEC also exhibits biological activity as an anti-inflammatory via histamine activation [ 143 ].…”

5-Aminosalicylic Acid Loaded Chitosan-Carrageenan Hydrogel Beads with Potential Application for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

“…Because of its very unique and interesting physicochemical properties, CG can prolong the release of pharmaceutical substances and increase drug bioavailability [ 21 ] and provide suitable cell proliferation and adhesion [ 24 , 25 ]. CG is successfully used in the food industry as a food additive due to its thickening properties [ 24 ], and it shows anticoagulant, antiviral, and antitumoral activities [ 26 ].…”

“…There have been studies that have assessed the anti-inflammatory activity of the CS/kCG complex in inducing colitis in mice at different concentrations, showing their protective role in gastrointestinal tract [ 21 , 26 ].…”