Przednia okładka PCACD, tom XXX (2025)

PCACD · 2025

Progress on Chemistry and Application of Chitin and its Derivatives (PCACD)

Publisher: Polish Chitin Society
ISSN (print): 1896-5644
Content: 23 articles, 1 corrigendum

Open Access · CC BY 4.0

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Review article | Pages 7–39

Possibilities and limitations of chitosan-based adsorbents used to remove organic and inorganic contaminants from aqueous solutions

Daria Bożejewicz iD
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Chitosan, as a natural biopolymer obtained from recycled sources, has a high affinity for removing various contaminants present in water systems, ranging from metal compounds, dyes, to pharmaceuticals. It has been demonstrated that modified chitosan can be successfully used to remove contaminants from various environmental matrices. This review presents the advantages and limitations of chitosan-based adsorbents that remove organic and inorganic pollutants from water and wastewater. It explains how chemical and physical modifications affect the adsorption properties of chitosan adsorbents. In addition, the possibility of the regeneration of materials used in the adsorption process is indicated.

Keywords: chitosan-based adsorbent, modification, regeneration, removal of contaminants

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Review article | Pages 40–53

Potential of chitosan-based hydrogels with hormones and growth factors in chronic wound therapy – the possibilities of preparing a prescription drug based on a literature review

Aneta Ostróżka-Cieślik iD, Patrycja Kornet, Wiktoria Farbaniec, Sławomir Wilczyński iD
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Chronic wounds are characterised by delayed healing and an atypical healing process that stops at the inflammatory or proliferative phase. The aim of this article is to indicate the potential of chitosan hydrogels encompassing hormones and growth factors in the treatment of chronic wounds and indicate their possibility as a prescription drug. A comprehensive search was conducted across Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, identifying eight studies on chitosan hydrogel preparation technology as potentially suitable for the manufacture of a pharmacy formulation setting. The literature review indicates that chitosan hydrogel carriers containing hormones or hormone derivatives may be used in the treatment of hard-to-heal wounds. They are exceptional primarily due to their favourable physicochemical properties, allowing epidermal application, simplicity of preparation, and low manufacturing cost. However, the lack of clinical trials suggests the need for further studies on their efficacy and safety of use.

Keywords: chitosan, hormone, growth factors, hydrogel, dermal drug delivery, wound dressing

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Review article | Pages 54–76

Nanosized chitosan systems for regenerative medicine

Sorur Yazdanpanah iD, Silvia Romano iD, Fabrizia Sepe iD, Umberto Galderisi iD, Gianfranco Peluso iD, Raffaele Conte iD
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Nanoscience and nanotechnology have revolutionised medicine, leading to groundbreaking advancements in drug delivery, gene therapy, and tissue regeneration. Among nanomaterials, nanoparticles stand out due to their high surface-to-volume ratio and tunable physicochemical properties. Chitosan, a biopolymer derived from chitin, has attracted considerable attention for its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. However, its limited solubility necessitates chemical modifications to enhance its biomedical applicability. Recently, nanosized chitosan has emerged as a promising material for regenerative medicine, offering improved mechanical and biological properties that support tissue repair. This review examines the use of chitosan nanoparticles in regenerative medicine, with a focus on their applications in bone and cartilage regeneration, cardiac tissue repair, skin regeneration and wound healing, nervous system repair, and drug and gene delivery. By highlighting recent advancements and existing challenges, this review analyses the potential of chitosan-based nanosystems as a versatile and effective biomaterial for regenerative therapies.

Keywords: nanotechnology, chitosan nanosystems, nanomedicine, regeneration, wound healing, drug delivery

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Review article | Pages 77–96

Properties and emerging applications of chitosan nanoparticles: a brief review

Noira Rakhimovna Vokhidova iD, Yiying Jiang, Hongguo Xie iD, Heng Yin iD
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The review article presents current research on obtaining chitosan nanoparticles (NPs). It highlights their key properties and potential applications in agriculture. Various methods of chitosan nanoparticle formation were considered: emulsion method in the presence of special agents, drying method, crosslinking of molecules through covalent bonds, self-organisation processes and obtaining interpolyelectrolyte complexes, and ionotropic gelation. Some examples of the chitosan NPs application have also been reviewed.

Keywords: chitosan, nanoparticles, ionic gelation technique, nanocapsules, bioactivities, eco-friendly

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Research article | Pages 97–108

Forming of polypropylene film with the addition of dibutyrylchitin and stearic acid

Dorota Biniaś iD
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In this work, polypropylene (PP) films with varying percentages of dibutyrylchitin (DBC) and stearic acid (SA) were prepared. In the first stage, the PP film was treated with diisopropyl ether to extract stearic acid, resulting in a porous structure of the PP film containing the DBC additive. Only stearic acid was washed out, as the diisopropyl ether is not a DBC solvent. In the next stage, the film was treated with a 5% potassium hydroxide solution to convert DBC into chitin and to convert any remaining SA into potassium stearate (SP). Washing out the resulting SP with distilled water yielded porous PP film with chitin and its derivative of DBC. Chemical changes occurring during processing were examined using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The morphology of the film surface at consecutive processing stages was imaged using microscopic methods: scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy (OM). After solidification of the PP polymer matrix, the applied SA crystallises on the surface of the PP film. As a result of the applied procedure, the PP film with the addition of DBC and chitin was obtained. It is anticipated that this bioactive material can be used in medicine, e.g., as a wound dressing, hernia mesh, or scaffolds.

Keywords: polypropylene, dibutyrylchitin, porous film, FTIR spectroscopy

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Research article | Pages 109–116

Endophytic biosurfactants-chitosan biopreparation: an innovative formulation for enhancing crop plant growth

Piotr Drożdżyński iD
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Endophytic microorganisms are crucial in enhancing plant growth and augmenting resilience to environmental stresses. This study evaluated the synergistic effect of a biosurfactant produced by B. pumilus 2A, an endophyte derived from Chelidonium majus L., combined with chitosan dissolved in citric acid. Biopreparations at concentrations of 0.1-0.4% were formulated and tested on five crop species: Zea mays (corn), Secale cereale (rye), Fagopyrum esculentum (buckwheat), Avena sativa (oats), and Hordeum vulgare (barley). The optimal formulation was identified at 0.2%, significantly enhancing root and stem growth, particularly in buckwheat and rye (up to 316% relative to control). While the chitosan solution acidified the soil, potentially affecting some plant responses, the combined formulation proved highly effective. The results highlight the agricultural potential of combining chitosan and biosurfactants for use in agricultural systems, promoting plant growth even under stress conditions.

Keywords: chitosan, biosurfactant, plant growth promotion, biocomposite, crop plants

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Research article | Pages 117–129

Chitosan-capped silver nanoparticles against opportunistic and human pathogens: a promising weapon in the fight against infections

Jesitha K iD, Megha PU iD, Abhitha PA iD, Muhammed Nayeem M iD
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This pioneering study synthesises silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Carica papaya fruit extract and chitosan capping, yielding homogeneous, spherical nanoparticles prepared at an average size of 20 nm and characterised by SEM-EDAX and TEM. Antimicrobial activity studies showed that the opportunistic and human pathogenic ones, S. aureus, S. typhimurium and E. coli, were susceptible to the chitosan-capped AgNPs. This study signifies the novel synthesis approach, commensurate particle size, universal antimicrobial efficacy, and compilation of a comparative antibiotic resistance index. Chitosan-capped AgNPs acted effectively towards multidrug-resistant bacterial strains, which gives the opportunity to consider this material as a potential weapon in the fight against microbial infections, being eco-friendly.

Keywords: silver nanoparticles, chitosan-capping, papaya fruit, antibacterial potential, eco-friendly

The first author's surname was corrected in accordance with the corrigendum: 10.15259/PCACD.30.024.

Corrigendum

Corrigendum to “Chitosan-capped silver nanoparticles against opportunistic and human pathogens: a promising weapon in the fight against infections”

Jesitha K iD, Megha PU iD, Abhitha PA iD, Muhammed Nayeem M iD
The authors regret that this article contained an error in the first author's name, and would like to correct it. The author’s name was incorrectly spelt as “Jesith K”. The correct spelling is Jesitha K. The authors would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Published online: October 20, 2025
Corrected article: 10.15259/PCACD.30.007

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Research article | Pages 130–142

Characterisation of chitosan and chitosan-based materials by temperature programmed desorption mass spectrometry

Oksana Kalinkevich iD, Vadym Chivanov iD, Anatoly Sklyar, Aleksei Kalinkevich iD
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The thermal behaviour of chitin, chitosan, and their derivatives is of great importance both for practical applications and for understanding the processes of interaction with additional compounds comprising chitosan-based materials. In this work, the samples of chitin and chitosan obtained in our laboratory from various sources (insects, mushrooms) and commercial samples, as well as derivatives containing iodine, fucorcinum, methylene blue, neomycin, etc., were studied with temperature programmed desorption mass spectrometry. The method reveals the differences in the dehydration of samples. Thermal decomposition in the temperature range from 150 to 200 °C is associated with decarboxylation, and above 200 °C with decomposition of the main chain. The thermal behaviour of samples depends on the origin of chitin, i.e., the fungal chitin starts to decompose at a lower temperature than insect chitin. The latter one shows thermal behaviour comparable to that of chitin from crustaceans. Chitosan obtained from chitin of various origins is more uniform. The additives in the derivative materials influence the thermal behaviour in different ways, especially a substantial difference was seen in the case of iodine combined with fucorcinum.

Keywords: temperature programmed desorption mass spectrometry, chitin, chitosan

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Research article | Pages 143–153

Application of natural biostimulants in cactus in vitro cultures: evaluating the effectiveness of chitosan and nanosilicon

Marcelina Krupa-Małkiewicz iD, Ireneusz Ochmian iD
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This study investigates the impact of chitosan (CH) and nanosilicon (nSi) on the micropropagation of two cactus species. Stem explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with chitosan at 20 - 60 mg L−1 or silicon nanoparticles at 100 - 500 mg L−1. After 35 days of in vitro culture, morphological parameters were evaluated. Plantlets were acclimatised ex vitro to assess survival rates and root development. Chitosan significantly promoted shoot multiplication and root formation in both species, with optimal effects at moderate concentrations (40 mg L−1 for Echinopsis chamaecereus and 20 mg L−1 for Opuntia microdasys). In contrast, lower concentrations of nSi (100 or 200 mg L−1) stimulated rhizogenesis in E. chamaecereus but had variable effects on O. microdasys. At 500 mg L−1, nSi increased shoot biomass but reduced root growth. The survival and rooting rates during ex vitro acclimatisation were treatment- and concentration-dependent. These findings highlight the potential of CH and nSi as eco-friendly biostimulants in cactus micropropagation systems. Optimising their concentrations could enhance shoot and root development while reducing reliance on synthetic growth regulators.

Keywords: Echinopsis chamaecereus, Opuntia microdasys, micropropagation, chitosan, nanosilicon

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Research article | Pages 154–168

Evaluation of the impact of molecular weight and concentration of chitosan on the quality and postharvest longevity of raspberry fruits

Marcelina Krupa-Małkiewicz iD, Ireneusz Ochmian iD
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Chitosan is a biopolymer with antimicrobial and biostimulatory properties, widely utilised in plant protection and fruit quality enhancement. This research aimed to determine the effect of chitosan on raspberry fruit firmness and assess the relationship between its concentration and molecular weight with yield quality. The study was conducted on raspberries treated with chitosan, applied as a spray, varying in molecular weights (3.3, 5, 500, and 950 kDa) at two concentrations (0.2% and 0.4%). The results showed that chitosan significantly enhanced fruit firmness, with the highest values observed for high-molecular-weight chitosan (500 and 950 kDa). Moreover, low-molecular-weight chitosan (3.3 and 5 kDa) positively influenced fruit mass, whereas high-molecular-weight forms had a limiting effect. It was also found that a higher chitosan concentration (0.4%) led to increased fruit firmness. Previous studies indicated that raspberry fruit quality was most influenced by low-molecular-weight chitosan (3.3 and 5 kDa), while fruit health was most improved by high-molecular-weight chitosan (500 and 950 kDa). Therefore, these chitosan variants were selected for further investigation to determine whether the fruit’s response is primarily driven by molecular weight or if concentration also plays a crucial role. These findings indicate that chitosan may be an effective tool for improving raspberries' quality and postharvest longevity, with its efficacy depending on the appropriate choice of molecular weight and concentration. The application of chitosan may serve as an alternative to conventional fruit protection and preservation methods, contributing to prolonged fruit shelf life and enhanced commercial value.

Keywords: fruit firmness, chitosan molecular weight, Botrytis cinerea, postharvest raspberry quality, biostimulants in plant protection

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Research article | Pages 169–183

Optimisation of rooting and growth of grapevine cuttings through chitosan application and substrate selection

Marcelina Krupa-Małkiewicz iD, Ireneusz Ochmian iD
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This study evaluated the effects of chitosan concentration and substrate composition on rooting efficiency, growth performance, and leaf colour parameters in hardwood cuttings of Vitis vinifera L. cv. 'Solaris'. Cuttings were soaked in 0.2% or 0.4% chitosan solutions and planted in five substrate types: peat, sand, perlite, pea-sand (50:50), and peat-perlite (50:50). The highest rooting percentage (92%) and most favourable biometric parameters were observed in cuttings treated with 0.2% chitosan and grown in the peat-perlite mixture. The tallest shoots (77 cm) were recorded with 0.4% chitosan, while the longest roots (52 cm) developed in the sand-perlite substrate. Although chitosan did not significantly affect shoot diameter, it enhanced root system development and overall plant quality, particularly in substrates with high air and water permeability. In addition, leaf colour analysis revealed that chitosan application in the peat-perlite substrate significantly reduced L* and a* values, indicating a deeper green foliage colour and enhanced chlorophyll accumulation. In contrast, sandy substrates showed minimal pigment response. These results confirm that chitosan acts as an effective biostimulant when applied in synergy with suitable substrates, and leaf colour metrics may serve as reliable indicators of physiological status during grapevine propagation.

Keywords: biostimulation, natural polysaccharides, plant regeneration, shoot growth, root induction, stress physiology

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Research article | Pages 184–204

On the synthesis of N-succinylchitosan Bombyx mori complexes with cobalt(II) ions and their insecticidal properties against Anacanthotermes turkestanicus termites

Mamasoliyev Ulugbek Makhammatovich iD, Noira Rahimovna Vokhidova iD, Zuhra Yuldashevna Akhmedova iD, Iskandarov Tulkin Iskandarovich iD, Sayyora Sharafovna Rashidova iD
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N-succinylchitosan (N-SCS) was obtained by the reaction of chitosan derived from Bombyx mori with succinic anhydride mixed at a 1:1 molar ratio in dimethyl sulfoxide for 24 hours at 22 °C and pH 7. In order to increase the effectiveness of insecticidal properties, N-succinylchitosan complexes with Co2+ ions (N-CSC/Co2+) were further obtained. The structural studies show that Co2+ ions interact with the carboxyl groups of N-succinylchitosan. The IR spectra of chitosan, N-SCS, and N-SCS/Co2+ show characteristic absorption bands at 1388, 1578, and 473 cm−1, respectively. Absorption bands characteristic of –NH–CO groups were also noticed at 1674 cm−1. The concentration dependence of the insecticidal activity of N-SCS/Co2+ solutions was studied, and it was found that a 1.0% solution exhibits 86.7% biological effectiveness against termites. The presented results are helpful for the development of eco-friendly insecticides based on natural polysaccharides.

Keywords: N-succinylchitosan, Bombyx mori, cobalt(II) ions, insecticidal properties, termites Anacanthotermes turkestanicus, non-toxic

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Research article | Pages 205–213

The effect of calcium alginate on the neutralising properties of chitosan gels protecting the oesophageal mucosa

Katarzyna Małolepsza-Jarmołowska iD, Hanna Bazan iD
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Gastroesophageal reflux disease is one of the most frequently diagnosed conditions in the modern world. It is characterised by repeated movement of stomach acid into the oesophagus, causing irritation and symptoms such as heartburn and regurgitation. Due to their short residence time on the mucous membrane surface, the emulsions used so far do not fulfil their role. This research aimed to examine the effect of calcium alginate on the properties of gels containing chitosan. For this purpose, hydrophilic gels were prepared and tested for pH, dynamic viscosity, and their ability to move in a model simulating conditions in the oesophagus. Alginates have been shown to affect the increase of pH and give the ability to neutralise acidic stomach content. As pH exceeded the upper physiological limit, chitosan offered the potential to restore pH to the physiological range. Its addition had an additional important feature - an increase in the dynamic viscosity of gel and adhesion, which would lead to better gel adhesion to the oesophagus. In summary, the addition of chitosan to methylcellulose gels containing calcium alginate positively influenced the pH, making it more suitable for the oesophagus, and enhanced the dynamic viscosity, allowing the gel to adhere to the mucous membrane surface for protective purposes against reflux.

Keywords: calcium alginate, physiological environment of the gastro-oesophageal, hydrophilic gels, oesophageal mucosa, anti-inflammatory drugs, oesophageal infections

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Research article | Pages 214–222

The influence of hydrophilising substances on the physicochemical properties of chitosan gels with a protective effect on the oesophageal mucosa

Katarzyna Małolepsza-Jarmołowska iD, Hanna Bazan iD
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This study aimed to analyse hydrogels intended to prevent irritation of the oesophageal mucosa in individuals sensitive or allergic to commonly used substances that neutralise acidic gastric contents. Such sensitivities can hinder effective management of gastrointestinal disorders involving the stomach and oesophagus. The research focused on assessing the influence of hydrophilizing agents: glycerol, polyethylene glycol 200, and propylene glycol-1,2 on the properties of chitosan-containing gels. In vitro experiments demonstrated that hydrogels formulated with chitosan and the selected hydrophilizing agents can potentially alleviate reflux symptoms. The incorporation of chitosan resulted in an increase in gel pH and dynamic viscosity, both of which support the neutralisation of acidic gastric contents. Texture analysis further revealed that both chitosan and the hydrophilizing substances significantly enhanced the adhesive properties of the gels, as indicated by increased adhesion work. These findings suggest that the developed formulations offer an effective alternative for individuals with sensitivities to standard antacid therapies.

Keywords: hydrophilizing substances, physiological environment of the gastro-oesophageal, hydrophilic gels, oesophageal mucosa, anti-inflammatory drugs, oesophageal infections

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Research article | Pages 223–231

Endophytic fungi from Chelidonium majus L. as a source of chitosanolytic enzymes: isolation, identification, and enzymatic activity

Olga Marchut-Mikołajczyk iD, Angelika Kubiak
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Endophytic fungi are a promising source of enzymes with industrial potential. In this study, a preliminary evaluation of the capacity of endophytic fungi from Chelidonium majus L. to produce chitosanolytic enzymes was performed. Two strains, R and Z, were isolated from stem tissues and cultured on Czapek-Dox media. Microscopy classified strain Z within the genus Aspergillus. Chitosanolytic activity was evaluated in media supplemented with chitosan under both surface and submerged conditions. Both strains exhibited intracellular enzymatic activity, with the highest activity of 656 µmol/(min·g), determined for the strain labelled as Z. These results suggest that endophytic fungi may serve as a source of chitosanolytic enzymes. This is one of the first reports of such activity in endophytes from C. majus L., providing a basis for future studies.

Keywords: fungal endophytes; Chelidonium majus L., chitosan; chitosanolytic enzyme

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Research article | Pages 232–242

Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of nanoparticles based on chitosan crosslinked with phytic acid and loaded with daptomycin against sensitive Staphylococcus aureus strains

Daniela Moncayo-Chaves iD, Linda Bucheli-Burgos iD, Juan Pinillos iD, Yhors Ciro iD, Constain Hugo Salamanca iD, José Fernando Oñate-Garzón iD
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This study focused on determining whether the antimicrobial activity of the lipopeptide antibiotic daptomycin improves when it is loaded into chitosan-based nanoparticles (NPs). The nanoparticulate systems were developed through the ionic gelation method employing phytic acid as a crosslinking agent. Physicochemical characterisation of the nanoparticles (NPs) was carried out by measurements of particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential. Antimicrobial evaluation was performed using a susceptible S. aureus strain using the broth microdilution method. The results showed a particle size of 453.9 ± 4.7 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.245 ± 0.04, and a zeta potential of +29.4 ± 0.3 mV. Notably, the antimicrobial evaluation revealed that daptomycin reduces the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) from 64 to 4 μg/mL upon loading into the nanoparticle, demonstrating an interesting potential as a pharmaceutical nanoformulation.

Keywords: chitosan, daptomycin, antibiotic-loaded nanoparticles, ionic gelation, antimicrobial activity

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Research article | Pages 243–253

Preformulation studies of thermosensitive dermatological hydrogels containing insulin

Aneta Ostróżka-Cieślik iD, Marcin Przybyła, Barbara Dolińska iD
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This work continues previous research into the development of an insulin (INS) hydrogel carrier for dermatological applications in chronic wound healing. Insulin has been found to play an important role in promoting wound healing, acting at multiple levels. This study aimed to develop an insulin hydrogel carrier based on poloxamer 407 (P407) and chitosan (CS). Rheological and texture parameters of the formulation were analysed. The pharmaceutical availability of insulin was assessed in vitro using the innovative Strat- M® membrane, which mimics the skin barrier. The hydrogels showed a favourable balance between rheological and textural properties and ease of application, especially to irregularly shaped wounds and hard-to-reach areas. Insulin was released in a prolonged manner, reducing the need for multiple daily applications. The obtained results will be used further in planning and performing preclinical and clinical studies.

Keywords: hydrogels, insulin, poloxamer 407, chitosan, rheology, texture, Strat-M® membrane

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Research article | Pages 254–265

Formation mechanism of thermosensitive chitosan hydrogels containing uridine 5’-monophosphate disodium salt

Katarzyna Pieklarz iD, Zofia Modrzejewska iD
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In this study, the gelation mechanisms of two types of thermosensitive chitosan hydrogels containing uridine 5’-monophosphate disodium salt (UMP) as a sol-gel transition agent were investigated. These systems were prepared from chitosan lactate and chitosan chloride solutions and are characterised by the ability to transition from sol to gel at both low and high temperatures. The formation mechanisms of the above hydrogels were developed based on our previous studies and the analysis of FTIR spectra of the chitosan systems at 4 °C and 37 °C without and with the addition of uridine 5’-monophosphate disodium salt. It has been demonstrated that the sol-gel transition of chitosan colloids is a complex, multi-step process resulting from the coexistence of multiple interactions (electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions) that determine the final properties of the hydrogels.

Keywords: chitosan, thermosensitive hydrogel, uridine 5’-monophosphate disodium salt, gelation mechanism

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Research article | Pages 266–282

Larvicidal activity of different molecular weights chitosan-plant extract complex against Anopheles stephensi

Subbaiyan Pushparani iD, Sajeev Sradha iD, George Rani Anju iD, Vadakkenchery Salimudheen Hansiya iD, Palanisamy Maheswari Uma iD, Jeganathan Aarthi iD, Byju Anju iD, Natesan Geetha iD
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Molecular weights of chitosan are important to their physical and biological features. The present study aims to compare the larvicidal efficacy of nanoparticles prepared with low (L-CS) and medium molecular weight (M-CS) chitosan, encapsulated with methanolic aerial part extract (MAE) of Artemisia absinthium (chitosan-plant extract complex) against Anopheles stephensi. They were characterised in terms of entrapment efficiency, drug release percentage, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and zeta potential. Out of various concentrations of L-CS- and M-CS-based nanoparticles, MAEL-CSNPs and MAEM-CSNPs, respectively, 10 µg/mL MAEL-CSNPs exhibited higher entrapment efficiency (64.10%). In vitro drug release study showed a controlled and sustained crude drug release from MAEL-CSNPs (86.60%) within three hours, with the best R2 value observed in the Higuchi model (0.97). Spectroscopically characterised MAEL-CSNPs with the lowest LC50 value (2.99 µg/mL) were subjected to toxicity analysis using zebrafish embryos, and the result indicates that, for the encapsulated drug, below 100% mortality at 10 µg/mL concentration and it may act as a potent larvicide without harming non-targeted organisms. Thus, the results showed the capability of MAEL-CSNPs to act as a potent, eco-friendly larvicide against An. stephensi larvae.

Keywords: larvicidal activity, methanolic aerial part extract, Artemisia absinthium, low and medium molecular weight chitosan nanoparticles, Anopheles stephensi

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Research article | Pages 283–289

The energy of activation of intracellular and extracellular chitin deacetylase

Barbara M. Stencel iD, Małgorzata Zień, Małgorzata M. Jaworska iD
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Chitin deacetylase is an enzyme produced by several organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and insects. In most cases, the enzyme is produced intracellularly; however, some fungi also produce the enzyme extracellularly, so the work aimed to compare the activity and the energies of activation of intracellular and extracellular chitin deacetylase. The enzymes produced by Absidia orchidis vel coerulea were used in experiments. It was shown that intracellular chitin deacetylase is significantly more active than the extracellular form. The activation energies were evaluated as 77.77 kJ/mol and 90.88 kJ/mol for intracellular and extracellular chitin deacetylase, respectively, meaning that intracellular enzymes act faster. Our paper is the first one that presents the energy of activation of chitin deacetylase. The presented energy of activation evaluation and comparison method can be used as a good tool to choose the chitin deacetylase for industrial application when the enzyme is available in different forms or comes from different sources.

Keywords: chitin deacetylase, chitosan, energy of activation

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Research article | Pages 290–299

Waste fungal biomass from biotech industry as a source of chitosan

Katarzyna Struszczyk-Świta iD
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The filamentous fungus Mucor circinelloides IBT-83 is an excellent producer of intracellular lipids. This makes it a promising candidate for large-scale cultivation for industrial oil production. However, this process generates significant amounts of defatted biomass, which can serve as a source of valuable compounds such as chitosan. It was shown that almost 100 g of chitosan (unpurified) can be extracted from 1 kg of defatted and dried mycelium of M. circinelloides IBT-83. Pre-dehydration of the mycelium by freeze-drying positively affects both the lipid extraction efficiency and the subsequent recovery of chitosan. The method developed in this study represents a promising approach for increased waste valorisation and supports the production of an industrially important biological product.

Keywords: chitosan, fungal biomass, Mucor circinelloides

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Research article | Pages 300–315

Physicochemical characteristics of titanium dioxide/chitosan/hyaluronic acid biomaterial in relation to antibacteriality and biocompatibility

Agnieszka E. Wiącek iD, Agata Ładniak iD, Małgorzata Jurak iD
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The primary goal of this research was the multi-aspect physicochemical characterisation of a hybrid material based on chitosan, a hyaluronic acid, and TiO2 in terms of antibacterial and biocompatible properties. To harness their natural potential, chitosan and hyaluronic acid were employed, as well as titanium(IV) oxide to enhance mechanical stability. The physicochemical behaviour and stability of binary and ternary systems were investigated, along with wettability, topography and surface free energy. Biomimetic methods were used to approximate the behaviour and interactions of components within individual dispersions with representative phospholipids of model biological membranes. Understanding these parameters is essential for the proper functioning of the biomaterial within a living organism. Two different types of phospholipids (1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine and 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) were selected for the study of cell membranes. In contrast, the sodium salt of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-rac-(1-glycerol) was used as a typical bacterial model. The obtained results confirmed the possibility of potential applications of the spectrum of chitosan/hyaluronic acid-based systems in the cosmetics, medical and pharmaceutical industries.

Keywords: chitosan, hyaluronic acid, titanium dioxide, biomimetic methods, antibacterial character, biocompatibility

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Research article | Pages 316–329

Microwave-assisted synthesis of carbon-doped chitosan hydrogels

Anita Wójcik iD, Natalia Wacławik iD, Marek Piątkowski iD
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The research focused on analysis of water sorption capacity of carbon-doped and undoped chitosan hydrogels cured with different acids: oxalic acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, and aspartic acid, synthesised under microwave irradiation. The hydrogels were doped with carbon prepared from brewer’s spent grains. The doping effect on the water sorption properties was determined. The results indicate significant differences in water sorption capacity between the undoped and doped hydrogels. The study is significantly important, as it explores the potential of modifying hydrogels to improve their water absorption capacity, a property that is crucial for various industrial applications. The ability to enhance the sorption characteristics of hydrogels through modification or additives can lead to advancements in fields such as agriculture, biomedical engineering, and environmental protection.

Keywords: chitosan hydrogels, microwave-assisted synthesis, modification, spent grains

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