Biopolymers Research
Open Access

Bioactive Biopolymers; Translational Biomedicine; Drug Delivery Systems; Tissue Engineering; Regenerative Medicine; Antimicrobial Activity; Antioxidant Properties; Biodegradability

Introduction

Biopolymers are naturally occurring macromolecules that play crucial roles in biological systems. Their unique structural and functional properties make them ideal candidates for various biomedical applications, including drug delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. Among the diverse sources of biopolymers, rotifers microscopic aquatic animals known for their ecological adaptability have emerged as a promising but underexplored resource for bioactive compounds [1]. Rotifers possess a unique ability to produce a variety of biopolymers, including glycoproteins, polysaccharides, and other biomolecules, which exhibit exceptional biocompatibility and biodegradability. These biopolymers are known to possess distinctive biological activities, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Such characteristics position rotifer-derived biopolymers as innovative solutions for addressing some of the most pressing challenges in translational biomedicine [2]. Despite the potential of rotifer-specific biopolymers, there remains a significant gap in the understanding of their composition, mechanisms of action, and practical applications.

This lack of knowledge limits the ability to harness their full therapeutic potential. Recent advancements in biotechnology and biomaterials science have paved the way for a more profound exploration of these biopolymers, highlighting the need for comprehensive studies that investigate their bioactivity and functional applications in clinical settings [3]. In this research, we aim to explore the unique properties of bioactive rotifer-specific biopolymers and their implications for translational biomedicine. By isolating and characterizing these biopolymers, we seek to elucidate their therapeutic mechanisms and assess their potential applications in drug delivery systems, wound healing, and tissue regeneration. This study endeavors to provide valuable insights into the emerging field of rotifer-derived biopolymers and contribute to the growing body of knowledge that supports the development of novel biomedical strategies for enhancing patient care.

Materials and Methods

Collection and Isolation of Rotifers: Rotifers were collected from freshwater environments, including ponds and lakes, using plankton net with a mesh size of 20 µm. The collected samples were transported to the laboratory in sterile containers and stored at 4°C until further processing.

Extraction of rotifer-specific biopolymers

The extraction of bioactive biopolymers from rotifers was performed following a modified protocol: Preparation the rotifer samples were washed thoroughly with sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) to remove debris and contaminants [4]. The washed rotifers were homogenized in sterile PBS using a homogenizer (e.g., tissue homogenizer) to create a uniform suspension.

Centrifugation: The homogenate was centrifuged at 10,000 × g for 20 minutes at 4°C to separate the cellular debris. The supernatant containing soluble biopolymers was collected. The biopolymers were precipitated using ethanol (80% v/v) at -20°C overnight [5]. The precipitate was collected by centrifugation at 10,000 × g for 30 minutes, washed with cold ethanol, and dried under vacuum.

Characterization of biopolymers

The extracted biopolymers were characterized using the following techniques: Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) the functional groups and chemical structure of the biopolymers were analyzed using an FTIR spectrometer (e.g., Thermo Scientific Nicolet 6700). Samples were prepared as KBr pellets and scanned in the range of 4000 to 400 cm⁻¹. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy NMR analysis was conducted to determine the molecular structure of the biopolymers [6]. The samples were dissolved in deuterated water (D₂O) and analyzed using a 400 MHz NMR spectrometer. Scanning Electron Microscopy the morphology of the biopolymers was observed using a scanning electron microscope. Samples were mounted on aluminum stubs, coated with gold, and examined at various magnifications.

Biocompatibility assessment

Biocompatibility was evaluated using human fibroblast cell lines cell Culture cells were cultured in DMEM supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 1% penicillin-streptomycin at 37°C in a humidified atmosphere with 5% CO₂. MTT Assay the cytotoxicity of the biopolymers was assessed using the MTT assay [7]. Cells were seeded in 96-well plates at a density of 1 × 10⁴ cells/well. After 24 hours, various concentrations of biopolymer extracts were added, and cell viability was measured after 48 hours by adding MTT solution (0.5 mg/mL) for 4 hours, followed by DMSO to dissolve the formazan crystals. Absorbance was measured at 570 nm using a microplate reader [8]. Live/Dead Staining to confirm cell viability, a live/dead staining assay was performed using Calcein AM and propidium iodide. After treatment with biopolymers, cells were stained and visualized under a fluorescence microscope.

Assessment of bioactivity

The bioactivity of the extracted biopolymers was evaluated through antimicrobial and antioxidant assays: Antimicrobial Activity the agar disk diffusion method was used to assess the antimicrobial properties of the biopolymers [9]. Bacterial strains were cultured overnight and spread evenly on agar plates. Discs soaked in biopolymer extracts were placed on the agar surface, and the plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. The diameter of the inhibition zones was measured.

Antioxidant Activity: The DPPH radical scavenging assay was employed to evaluate the antioxidant properties of the biopolymers. Varying concentrations of biopolymer extracts were mixed with DPPH solution (0.1 mM) and incubated in the dark for 30 minutes [10]. The absorbance was measured at 517 nm, and the percentage of DPPH inhibition was calculated.

Conclusion

The study highlights the significant potential of bioactive rotifer-specific biopolymers as a new frontier in translational biomedicine. Their unique properties, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, and notable bioactivity, position them as promising candidates for applications in drug delivery systems and regenerative medicine. Further research is warranted to explore the mechanisms underlying their therapeutic effects and to develop practical applications in clinical settings. This work not only contributes to the understanding of rotifer-derived biopolymers but also opens avenues for innovation in biopolymer technology, ultimately enhancing patient care and treatment outcomes.

Acknowledgement

None

Conflict of Interest

None

References

1. Richardson JS (1981)The Anatomy and Taxonomy of Proteins. Adv Protein Chem. 34: 167-339.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

2. Peng B, Qin Y (2008) Lipophilic Polymer Membrane Optical Sensor with a Synthetic Receptor for Saccharide Detection. Anal Chem 80: 6137-6141.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

3. He-Fang W, Xiu-Ping Y (2009) Discrimination of Saccharides with a Fluorescent Molecular Imprinting Sensor Array Based on Phenylboronic Acid Functionalized Mesoporous Silica. Anal Chem. 81: 5273-5280.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

4. Richardson JS, Schneider B, Murray LW, Kapral GJ, Immormino RM, et.al. (2008) RNA Backbone: Consensus all-angle conformers and modular string nomenclature. RNA.14: 465-481.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

5. Kruger K, Grabowski PJ, Zaug AJ, Sands J, Gottschling DE, et.al. (1982) Self-splicing RNA: autoexcision and autocyclization of the ribosomal RNA intervening sequence of Tetrahymena. Cell 31: 147-157.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

6. Cahn RS, Ingold C K, Prelog V (1966) Specification of Molecular Chirality. Angew Chem Int Ed 5: 385-415.

Google Scholar, Crossref

7. Vickery HB, Schmidt CL (1931) The history of the discovery of the amino acids. Chem Rev 9: 169-318.

Google Scholar, Crossref

8. Ntountoumi C, Vlastaridis P, Mossialos D, Stathopoulos C, Iliopoulos I, et al. (2019). Low complexity regions in the proteins of prokaryotes perform important functional roles and are highly conserved. Nucleic Acids Res 47: 9998-10009.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

9. Marcotte EM, Pellegrini M, Yeates TO, Eisenberg D (1999) A census of protein repeats. J Mol Biol 293: 151-160.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

10. Magee T, Seabra MC (2005) Fatty acylation and prenylation of proteins: what's hot in fat. Curr Opin Cell Biol 17: 190-196.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref