Wheat germin-like protein: Studies on chitin/chitosan matrix for tissue engineering applications.

Advances in tissue engineering require the development of new biomaterials with adequate properties of cell attachment and growth. The properties of biomaterials can be improved by incorporation of bioactive molecules to enhance in vitro and/or in vivo functions. In this work, we study the role of a wheat germin-like protease inhibitor (GLPI), free or immobilized in biocompatible matrices to improve cell-attachment ability on different mammalian cell lines. The phylogenetic relationships and functional diversity of the GLPI were analyzed among diverse genera to get insights into sequence motif conservations. The cytocompatibility effect of free GLPI on C2C12 premyoblastic cells and B16 cells as tumoral model has been tested. GLPI promoted proliferation and metabolic activity of both cell types on in vitro models, not showing cytotoxic effects. Furthermore, GLPI was immobilized in chitin microparticles and in chitosan films; we demonstrated an accelerated cell adhesion process in both biomaterials.

Preparation, Characterization, and In Vitro Testing of Nanoclay Antimicrobial Activities and Elicitor Capacity.

Clay-based nanocomposites (nanoclays) are interesting systems to hold a wide type of active substances with a wide field of industrial applications. Bentonite-chitosan nanoclay was obtained via cationic exchange of natural bentonite (Bent) with an aqueous solution of chitosan (CS). Their physicochemical and morphological properties were discussed under the light of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Bent-CS characterization indicated that CS was intercalated in 10% (w/w). This polycationic polymer was oriented mostly in a monolayer arrangement, interacting by electrostatic forces between Bent sheets. The antimicrobial action of Bent-CS nanoclay was assayed onto phytopathogens, the bacterium model Pseudomonas syringe pv. tomato DC3000 ( Psy) and the necrotrophic fungus Fusarium solani f. sp. eumartii ( F. eumartii). In addition to demonstrating cell death on both microorganisms, Bent-CS exerted elicitor property on tomato plantlets. The biological actions of this natural nanomaterial might make it proper to be used in crops.