Thesis (M.S.) -- Mississippi State University. Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering. / Title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references.

In search of better scaffolding materials for in vitro culture of chondrocytes, the combination of chitosan (similar to glycosoaminoglycans) and gelatin (denatured collagen) was tested due to its resemblance to cartilage extra-cellular matrix (ECM). Porous scaffolds were fabricated from chitosan gelatin blends (1:1, 2:1, and 3:1). The response of chondrocytes to them was evaluated from the amount of sulphated GAG and collagen type 2 secreted after 3 and 5 weeks. The effect due to static (transwell inserts) and dynamic (rotating bioreactor) culture methods was analyzed. Results indicate that 1:1 chitosan gelatin blends showed the best chondro-conductive potential. The rotating bioreactor facilitated better cell distribution across scaffold but did not show higher ECM secretion compared to transwell culture after 3 weeks. Gelatin leeched out by dissolution in culture media and left an open and interconnected chitosan network. Chitosan gelatin scaffolds show a potential for use in cartilage tissue engineering applications

Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most common ligamentous injuries of the knee. Post rupture, the ACL does not heal on itself due to poor vasculature and hence surgical intervention is required to treat the ACL. Current surgical management of ACL rupture consists of reconstruction with autografts or allografts. However, the limitations associated with these grafts have prompted interest in tissue engineered solutions that combine cells, scaffolds and stimuli to facilitate ACL regeneration. This thesis describes a ligament tissue engineering strategy that involves incorporating biomolecules within fibers-based electrospun meshes which mimics the extra-cellular matrix microarchitecture of ligament. However, challenges exist with incorporation of biomolecules. Therefore, the goal of this research project was to develop two techniques to incorporate biomolecules within electrospun meshes: (1) co-axially electrospinning fibers that support surface-grafting of biomolecules, and (2) co-axially electrospinning fibers decorated with biomolecule-loaded microspheres. In the first approach, chitosan was co-axially electrospun on the shell side of poly caprolactone (PCL) and arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) was attached to the electrospun meshes. Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) attached, spread and proliferated on these meshes. In the second approach, fluorescein isothiocyanate labelled bovine serum albumin (FITC-BSA) loaded chitosan-alginate (CS-AL) microspheres were fabricated. The effects of cation to alginate ratio, type of alginate and concentration of CaCl2 on microsphere size, FITC-BSA loading and release were systematically evaluated. The CS-AL microspheres were then incorporated into the sheath phase of co-axially electrospun meshes to achieve microsphere-decorated fiber composite meshes. The results from these model study suggest that both approaches are tractable for incorporating biomolecules within fibers-based electrospun meshes. Both these approaches provide platform for future studies that can focus on ligament-relevant biomolecules such as FGF-2 and GDF-5. / Master of Science

Yes / In this study, we prepared chitosan (Cs_P) nanofibers (NFs) membrane by electrospinning. The Cs_P NFs membrane was then chemically functionalized (CsF) by a novel stepwise chemical process. The CsF NFs membrane was electrospray with TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) to prepare the CsF_Coa NFs membrane. A second NFs membrane with embedded TiO2 NPs (Cs_Co) was also prepared by electrospinning. The TiO2 NPs, Cs_P, CsF s, CsF_Coa NFs, and Cs_Co NFs membranes were analyzed by standard spectroscopic, microscopic, X-ray, and thermal methods. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis confirmed the incorporation of the new functional group into the Cs structure. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data confirmed the FTIR results and the fabrication of the CsF NFs membrane. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs showed a smooth morphology for the Cs_P NFs membrane and a denser morphology for the CsF NFs membrane (NFs swelled with functionalization). The SEM micrographs also showed a dense cloud of TiO2 NPs on the surface of the Cs_Coa NFs membrane. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) showed that the particle size of TiO2 NPs varied between 20 and 35 nm and tended to be spherical. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern confirmed the existence of the anatase phase of the TiO2 NPs. The presence of TiO2 in the Cs_Coa and Cs_Co NFs membranes was also confirmed by energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Surface profilometry confirmed an increase in the surface roughness of the CsF and Cs_Coa NFs membranes. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis revealed that the isotherms and hystereses for all NFs membranes were of the IV and H3 types, respectively, corresponding to mesopores and slit pores. The higher photocatalytic activity of the Cs_Coa NFs membrane (89%) compared to the Cs_Co NFs membrane (40%) was attributed to a balance between the short band gap, high surface roughness, and lower surface area.

A quitosana é um polímero natural obtido a partir da desacetilação química da quitina, sendo a quitina o segundo polissacarídeo mais abundante na natureza. O interesse em pesquisas por novas aplicações da quitosana vem aumentando muito em diversas áreas, como na indústria farmacêutica, na indústria de cosméticos e de alimentos. Isso se deve às importantes características biológicas e físico-químicas inerentes à quitosana, como: biocompatibilidade, biodegradabilidade, propriedade de formação de filmes e fibras, complexação de metais e distintas atividades biológicas. Além disso, a presença de grupos amino na molécula da quitosana permite modificações químicas das mais diversas. No entanto, esta funcionalidade tem mostrado ser dependente, não apenas da sua estrutura química, mas também do seu tamanho molecular. Pois muitas das propriedades físico-químicas, e funcionais de uma cadeia polimérica são definidas pela sua massa molecular. O presente trabalho objetivou a síntese, caracterização e estudo da atividade antibacteriana de derivados de quitosana: quitosanas de baixa massa molecular, utilizando-se o peróxido de hidrogênio como agente oxidante; N-succinilquitosana e 2-carboxibenzamido-quitosana, de alta e baixa massa molecular, em presença de anidridos cíclicos, anidrido succínico e anidrido ftálico, respectivamente. Foram realizadas análises de caracterização dos derivados sintetizados por espectroscopia Raman e Infravermelho e avaliação de propriedades físico-químicas, como viscosidade e solubilidade. A efetividade antimicrobiana da quitosana e de seus derivados sintetizados, de alta e baixa massa molecular, foi avaliada frente à concentração final de 106UFC/mL de Escherichia coli através da determinação da concentração mínima inibitória (CMI). Os derivados de baixa massa molecular se mostraram mais solúveis e com menor viscosidade em relação às amostras de alta massa molecular. Em relação à atividade antibacteriana, nenhuma das amostras testadas exibiu ação antibacteriana significativa. / Chitosan is a natural polymer derived from the chemical deacetylation of chitin. Chitin is the second most abundant polysaccharide in nature. The interest in research for new applications of chitosan has been increasing fast in many areas, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and foods industries. This is due to important biological and physical-chemical properties inherent to chitosan, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, film-forming properties and fiber, metal complexation and distinct biological activities. Moreover, the presence of amino groups in the molecule of chitosan allows a wide range of chemical modifications. However, this feature has shown to be dependent not only on its chemical structure but also on their molecular size. Because many of the physico-chemical and functional characteristics of a polymer chain are defined by their molecular weight. This paper aims at the synthesis, characterization and study of antibacterial activity of chitosan derivatives, low molecular weight chitosan, using hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizing agent, N-succinylchitosan and 2-carboxybenzamido-chitosan, high and low molecular weight in the presence of cyclic anhydrides, succinic anhydride and phthalic anhydride, respectively. Analyses were performed to characterize the derivatives synthesized by Raman and Infrared spectroscopy and assessment of physicochemical properties such as viscosity and solubility. The antimicrobial effectiveness of chitosan and its derivatives synthesized, high and low molecular weight, was evaluated against the final concentration of Escherichia coli 106 UFC/mL by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The low molecular weight derivatives were more soluble and lessviscous for samples of high molecular weight. Regarding the antibacterial activity, none of the samples tested exhibited significant antibacterial activity.

A quitosana é um polímero natural obtido a partir da desacetilação química da quitina, sendo a quitina o segundo polissacarídeo mais abundante na natureza. O interesse em pesquisas por novas aplicações da quitosana vem aumentando muito em diversas áreas, como na indústria farmacêutica, na indústria de cosméticos e de alimentos. Isso se deve às importantes características biológicas e físico-químicas inerentes à quitosana, como: biocompatibilidade, biodegradabilidade, propriedade de formação de filmes e fibras, complexação de metais e distintas atividades biológicas. Além disso, a presença de grupos amino na molécula da quitosana permite modificações químicas das mais diversas. No entanto, esta funcionalidade tem mostrado ser dependente, não apenas da sua estrutura química, mas também do seu tamanho molecular. Pois muitas das propriedades físico-químicas, e funcionais de uma cadeia polimérica são definidas pela sua massa molecular. O presente trabalho objetivou a síntese, caracterização e estudo da atividade antibacteriana de derivados de quitosana: quitosanas de baixa massa molecular, utilizando-se o peróxido de hidrogênio como agente oxidante; N-succinilquitosana e 2-carboxibenzamido-quitosana, de alta e baixa massa molecular, em presença de anidridos cíclicos, anidrido succínico e anidrido ftálico, respectivamente. Foram realizadas análises de caracterização dos derivados sintetizados por espectroscopia Raman e Infravermelho e avaliação de propriedades físico-químicas, como viscosidade e solubilidade. A efetividade antimicrobiana da quitosana e de seus derivados sintetizados, de alta e baixa massa molecular, foi avaliada frente à concentração final de 106UFC/mL de Escherichia coli através da determinação da concentração mínima inibitória (CMI). Os derivados de baixa massa molecular se mostraram mais solúveis e com menor viscosidade em relação às amostras de alta massa molecular. Em relação à atividade antibacteriana, nenhuma das amostras testadas exibiu ação antibacteriana significativa. / Chitosan is a natural polymer derived from the chemical deacetylation of chitin. Chitin is the second most abundant polysaccharide in nature. The interest in research for new applications of chitosan has been increasing fast in many areas, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and foods industries. This is due to important biological and physical-chemical properties inherent to chitosan, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, film-forming properties and fiber, metal complexation and distinct biological activities. Moreover, the presence of amino groups in the molecule of chitosan allows a wide range of chemical modifications. However, this feature has shown to be dependent not only on its chemical structure but also on their molecular size. Because many of the physico-chemical and functional characteristics of a polymer chain are defined by their molecular weight. This paper aims at the synthesis, characterization and study of antibacterial activity of chitosan derivatives, low molecular weight chitosan, using hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizing agent, N-succinylchitosan and 2-carboxybenzamido-chitosan, high and low molecular weight in the presence of cyclic anhydrides, succinic anhydride and phthalic anhydride, respectively. Analyses were performed to characterize the derivatives synthesized by Raman and Infrared spectroscopy and assessment of physicochemical properties such as viscosity and solubility. The antimicrobial effectiveness of chitosan and its derivatives synthesized, high and low molecular weight, was evaluated against the final concentration of Escherichia coli 106 UFC/mL by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). The low molecular weight derivatives were more soluble and lessviscous for samples of high molecular weight. Regarding the antibacterial activity, none of the samples tested exhibited significant antibacterial activity.

Previous studies have demonstrated that chitosan and its derivative, N-trimethyl chitosan chloride (TMC) are effective and safe absorption enhancers to improve mucosal delivery of macromolecular drugs including vaccines. Furthermore, chitosan and TMC can easily form microparticles and nanoparticles, which have the ability to encapsulate large amounts of antigens. Emzaloid™ technology has proven in the past to be an effective delivery system for numerous drugs. Emzaloids can entrap, transport and deliver large amounts of drugs including vaccines. In this study, the ability of chitosan microparticles and nanoparticles, TMC microparticles as well as micrometer and nanometer range Emzaloids to enhance both the systemic and mucosal (local) immune response against diphtheria toxoid (DT) after nasal administration in mice was investigated. The above mentioned formulations were prepared and characterised according to size and morphology. DT was then associated to the chitosan microparticles and nanoparticles as well as TMC microparticles to determine the antigen loading and release. It was found that the loading efficacy of the formulations was 88.9 %, 27.74 % and 63.1 % respectively, and the loading capacity of the formulations was 25.7 %, 8.03 % and 18.3 %. DT loaded and unloaded (empty) chitosan microparticles and nanoparticles, TMC microparticles, micrometer and nanometer range Emzaloids as well as DT in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) were administered nasally to mice. Mice were also vaccinated subcutaneous with DT associated to alum as a positive control. All mice were vaccinated on three consecutive days in week 1 and boosted in week 3. Sera was analysed for anti- DT IgG and nasal lavages were analysed for anti-DT IgA using an enzyme linked imrnunosorbent assay (ELISA). In the study conducted to determine the systemic (IgG) and local (IgA) immune responses it was seen that DT associated to all the experimental formulations produced a systemic immune response. The said formulations produced a significantly higher systemic immune response when compared to the formulation of DT in PBS. Furthermore, the mice vaccinated with DT associated to the TMC formulations showed a much higher systemic immune response than the mice that were vaccinated subcutaneously with DT associated to alum, whereas the other formulations produced systemic immune responses that were comparable to that of DT associated to alum. It was also found that DT associated to the experimental formulations produced a local immune response, however only DT associated to TMC microparticles produced a consistent local immune response. It can be concluded from the in vivo experiments that the TMC formulations, moreover, the TMC microparticles is the most effective and promising formulation for the nasal delivery of vaccines. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Pharmaceutics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

Previous studies have demonstrated that chitosan and its derivative, N-trimethyl chitosan chloride (TMC) are effective and safe absorption enhancers to improve mucosal delivery of macromolecular drugs including vaccines. Furthermore, chitosan and TMC can easily form microparticles and nanoparticles, which have the ability to encapsulate large amounts of antigens. Emzaloid™ technology has proven in the past to be an effective delivery system for numerous drugs. Emzaloids can entrap, transport and deliver large amounts of drugs including vaccines. In this study, the ability of chitosan microparticles and nanoparticles, TMC microparticles as well as micrometer and nanometer range Emzaloids to enhance both the systemic and mucosal (local) immune response against diphtheria toxoid (DT) after nasal administration in mice was investigated. The above mentioned formulations were prepared and characterised according to size and morphology. DT was then associated to the chitosan microparticles and nanoparticles as well as TMC microparticles to determine the antigen loading and release. It was found that the loading efficacy of the formulations was 88.9 %, 27.74 % and 63.1 % respectively, and the loading capacity of the formulations was 25.7 %, 8.03 % and 18.3 %. DT loaded and unloaded (empty) chitosan microparticles and nanoparticles, TMC microparticles, micrometer and nanometer range Emzaloids as well as DT in phosphate buffered saline (PBS) were administered nasally to mice. Mice were also vaccinated subcutaneous with DT associated to alum as a positive control. All mice were vaccinated on three consecutive days in week 1 and boosted in week 3. Sera was analysed for anti- DT IgG and nasal lavages were analysed for anti-DT IgA using an enzyme linked imrnunosorbent assay (ELISA). In the study conducted to determine the systemic (IgG) and local (IgA) immune responses it was seen that DT associated to all the experimental formulations produced a systemic immune response. The said formulations produced a significantly higher systemic immune response when compared to the formulation of DT in PBS. Furthermore, the mice vaccinated with DT associated to the TMC formulations showed a much higher systemic immune response than the mice that were vaccinated subcutaneously with DT associated to alum, whereas the other formulations produced systemic immune responses that were comparable to that of DT associated to alum. It was also found that DT associated to the experimental formulations produced a local immune response, however only DT associated to TMC microparticles produced a consistent local immune response. It can be concluded from the in vivo experiments that the TMC formulations, moreover, the TMC microparticles is the most effective and promising formulation for the nasal delivery of vaccines. / Thesis (M.Sc. (Pharmaceutics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

In oral sciences, chitosan application is of interest due to its antimicrobial and hemostatic activity. Chitosan coating of dentures and other intraoral devices could be beneficial for treatment of denture stomatitis or in the management of postoperative bleeding. Disinfection of dentures and prosthodontic materials is crucial before their use in patients. This study investigated the influence of chemical disinfectants on chitosan-coated surfaces. A total of 100 specimens were made: 50 of PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), and 50 of PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified) material and coated with 2% chitosan acetate solution. In each material, 5 groups (10 specimens each) were established and disinfected with Printosept-ID (L1), MD 520 (L2), Silosept (L3), or Dentavon (L4), or stored in distilled water (L0, control group). After disinfection, all specimens underwent abrasion tests (30,000 cycles in a tooth-brushing simulator). Areas without chitosan coating were measured by digital planimetry both before and after the disinfection/abrasion procedure and a damage-score was calculated. Regarding chitosan coating, the statistical analysis showed a significant influence of the disinfectants tested and significant differences between disinfectants (p < 0.05). Chitosan coating was most stable on PMMA and PETG after disinfection with MD 520 (L2). Otherwise, active oxygen containing disinfectants (L3, L4) led to the greatest alterations in the chitosan coating.

In oral sciences, chitosan application is of interest due to its antimicrobial and hemostatic activity. Chitosan coating of dentures and other intraoral devices could be beneficial for treatment of denture stomatitis or in the management of postoperative bleeding. Disinfection of dentures and prosthodontic materials is crucial before their use in patients. This study investigated the influence of chemical disinfectants on chitosan-coated surfaces. A total of 100 specimens were made: 50 of PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), and 50 of PETG (polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified) material and coated with 2% chitosan acetate solution. In each material, 5 groups (10 specimens each) were established and disinfected with Printosept-ID (L1), MD 520 (L2), Silosept (L3), or Dentavon (L4), or stored in distilled water (L0, control group). After disinfection, all specimens underwent abrasion tests (30,000 cycles in a tooth-brushing simulator). Areas without chitosan coating were measured by digital planimetry both before and after the disinfection/abrasion procedure and a damage-score was calculated. Regarding chitosan coating, the statistical analysis showed a significant influence of the disinfectants tested and significant differences between disinfectants (p < 0.05). Chitosan coating was most stable on PMMA and PETG after disinfection with MD 520 (L2). Otherwise, active oxygen containing disinfectants (L3, L4) led to the greatest alterations in the chitosan coating.