Work

Juniper Berry Oil as a Functional Additive in Chitosan–Water Kefiran–Paramylon Porous Sponges: Structural, Physicochemical, and Protein Interaction Insights

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study reports on the design and development of novel porous biomaterials based on chitosan, water kefiran, and paramylon, enriched with various concentrations of juniper berry oil (JBO). The materials were obtained by freeze-drying and comprehensively characterized. The analyses included morphological evaluation (SEM and porosity), physicochemical tests (swelling rate, water vapor transmission rate, and roughness), mechanical tests (tensile strength, Young's modulus, and elongation at break), and biodegradability under physiological conditions. Moreover, the functional behavior of the materials was evaluated by assessing their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, as well as interactions with selected proteins (human serum albumin and fibrinogen) relevant to biological responses. It was found that the presence of JBO affects the internal structure and improves selected properties in a concentration-dependent manner. This study is the first to investigate the combined use of chitosan, water kefiran, and paramylon in a single porous system enriched with JBO. The results confirm the importance of such biopolymer sponges as promising platforms for applications where appropriate physicochemical and bioactive properties are desired.

Source: International Journal of Molecular Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/ijms26115314

Author: Dorota Chelminiak-Dudkiewicz

Institution: Nicolaus Copernicus University

Language: English

Topic: Nanocomposite Films for Food Packaging

Subfield: Biomaterials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,499

Funder: Narodowe Centrum Nauki