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Wednesday, 28 January 2009 15:29

News - Chitin + Chitosan

Chitosan a Panacea? - NanoBioSaccharides brightens the dark

Chitosan - NanoBioSaccharides brightens up the darkNanoBioSaccharides - a project that aimed to unravel the properties of an apparent panacea is now concluded. During the last three years over 600 researchers from seven nations, managed by Prof. Dr. Bruno Moerschbacher of the University of Muenster dedicated their time to study the striking abilities of Chitosan and its application in human medicine. In Nanobiotechnology a breakthrough is expected, that will lead to significant changes on the one hand in the field of the delivery of medical bio-materials, drugs and genes and on the other hand in the area of cell- and tissue-engineering.


So far chitosan was produced by the conditioning of chitin in a sodium hydroxide solution, according to the research groups, this procedure needs to be modified. First of all they were studying properties of enzymes – so called chitin de-acetylases, which allow producing especially detailed characterized chitosan. After being created these new individual chitosans were tested for their capabilities in different medical applications. This new proceeding of detailed typing aims not only to boost reliability of chitosan as a medical active ingredient in human medicine but even to ensure it.

 

Like the name of the project indicates, NanoBioSaccarides seeks understanding of reciprocity between chitosan and human cells on a molecular level. Chitosan is known for its ability to generate nano-particles. Chitosan nano-particles are able to transcend biological barriers. They act as a mode of transportation for complex active medical ingredients, which are delivered to its destination. The project focused on the delivery of insulin via nasal, pulmonary or oral ways. In this way fluorescent nano-particles brightened up the dark, while overcoming the nasal mucosa.

In future the innovative findings of the project NanoBioSaccharides shall substitute injection based systems by the use of chitosan. Then chitosan can serve as a carrier for example for insulin, vaccines and plasmid DNA that can be applied nasally or orally.

The researchers focused also on the wound healing abilities of chitosan. The right chitosans were used to generate hydro gels, which in wound dressings should have the following properties:

  • Antiseptic, to keep infections off the wound.
  • Hygroscopic, to help the wound stay moist and to absorb ichor.
  • Organizing, to rebuild intact, organized skin layers.


With the aid of the new knowledge, new products have to be developed, that allow the therapy of even high degree burnings.


The project did not only lead to new knowledge about chitosan, but also to new ideas that can be researched by existing and newly founded co-operations between different establishments, like the German-Indian research training group of the University of Münster and the University Hyderabad.

Conclusion


The scientific study and the application of chitosan and chitosan derivates will rest a fascinating sphere of action. Concerning chitosan new themes and problem solving possibilities using chitosan arise. Heppe Medical Chitosan is convinced: Chitosan will have a stake in the future.
You are doing research or development in the field of Chitosan? In our Chitin and Chitosan Shop you can find Chitin, Chitosan and Chitosan Derivate in a scientific grade. Our sales department also offers Chitosan and its Derivates in cosmetic, pharmaceutical and GMP compliant grade. We are looking forward to your This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to send you a personal offer.

 

Sources:


Further information on the research group of Prof. Moerschabacher you can find here.

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