Nanoparticles and films derived from sucrose-based water-insoluble glucans

Authors: Evans, Kervin; Skory, Christopher - Chris; CORMIER, RYAN - Former ARS Employee; CÓTÉ, GREGORY - Former ARS Employee; Compton, David - Dave

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/22/2018
Publication Date: 7/22/2018
Citation: Evans, K.O., Skory, C.D., Cormier, R.S., Cóté, G.L., Compton, D.L. 2018. Nanoparticles and films derived from sucrose-based water-insoluble glucans [abstract]. Controlled Release Society Annual Meeting. Poster #58.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: There is currently great interest in discovering and commercializing bio-based polymeric materials from renewable sources. Biomass is one source of sustainable and renewable molecules from which biobased polymers are produced, however, the procedure to create the polymers can be laborious. A single-step procedure for creating biopolymers would improve synthesis efficiency. We use enzymes from microbes to create novel biobased polymers. Specifically, this research seeks to develop and characterize nanoparticles and films created from renewable sucrose-based, water-insoluble glucans produced by a recombinant glucansucrase from Leuconostoc mesenteroides NRRL B-1118. Water-insoluble glucans were synthesized using a cloned glucansucrase from L. mesenteroides. The glucans were optimized for preparation to form nanoparticles by exploring drying methods. Nanoparticles were formed by dispersing the glucans in room temperature water and subjecting the glucan-water mixture to sonication, milling or high-pressure homogenization. The nanoparticles were characterized for their size using dynamic light scattering and their ability to encapsulate either a hydrophilic probe [5 (6)-carboxyfluorescein; CF], a hydrophobic probe (coumarin 6), or green fluorescent protein (GFP). Nanoparticle solutions with and without cellulose nanofibers were dried to form films. Films and nanoparticles were characterized using SEM and AFM imaging. Water-insoluble glucans were best prepared via freeze-drying for pressure homogenization. The glucans formed nanoparticles that were less than 200 nm in diameter during high-pressure homogenization. Nanoparticles appeared to encapsulate the coumarin 6 and GFP far better than CF. Nanoparticles free of cellulose formed clear and naturally flexible films; nanoparticles doped with cellulose formed opaque films that had increased tensile strength and flexibility. This is the first demonstrated ability of water-insoluble glucans forming nanoparticles after high-pressure homogenization. These glucan nanoparticles have great potential as a novel, biodegradable delivery system.