Biocompatibility analysis of high molecular weight chitosan obtained from Pleoticus muelleri shrimps. Evaluation in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells

The search for the exploitation and recycling of biomaterials is increasing for reducing the use of non-renewable resources and minimizing environmental pollution caused by synthetic materials. In this context, Chitosan (CS) being a naturally occurring biopolymer becomes relevant. The aim of the present work was to explore the effects of High Molecular Weight CS (H-CS) from Argentinean shrimp's wastes in prokaryotic and eukaryotic in vitro cell cultures. Ultrastructure of H-CS was analysed by SEM and TEM. In vitro studies were performed in prokaryotic (Lactobacillus casei BL23) and eukaryotic (Caco-2, ARPE-19, EA.hy926 and 3T3-L1) culture cells. High performance microscopic techniques were applied to examine culture cells. No changes in morphology were found in any of the cell types. In addition, fluorescent-dyed H-CS revealed that eukaryotic cells could internalize it optimally. Viability was maintained and proliferation rate even increased for Caco-2, ARPE-19 and 3T3-L1 cells under H-CS treatment. Besides, viability was neither altered in L. casei nor in EA.hy926 cells after H-CS exposure. In conclusion, H-CS could be a suitable biopolymer to be exploited for biomedical or food industry applications.