Improved anti-inflammatory properties of xanthan gum hydrogel physically and chemically modified with yeast derived peptide

Bioactive peptides from natural resources with associated beneficial biological properties such as skin wound healing have drawn much attention. Polysaccharides with their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ease of modification are suitable carriers for peptides delivery to the wound. In this study, a polysaccharide-peptide system was designed for potential wound healing applications. Xanthan hydrogels were modified with the yeast-derived peptide VW-9 with known biological properties via chemical conjugation using carbodiimide chemistry (XG-g-VW-9) or physically incorporation (XG-p-VW-9). Grafting VW-9 to the hydrogels increased the hydrogels' swelling degree and the release of the peptide from the hydrogels followed the Higuchi model indicating the peptide diffusion from the hydrogel matrix without hydrogel matrix dissolution. Both hydrogels were cytocompatible toward the tested fibroblast and macrophage cells. XG-p-VW-9 and XG-g-VW-9 reduce the level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 in cells activated with lipopolysaccharide more efficiently than free VW-9. Thus, VW-9-modified xanthan hydrogels may have the potential to be considered for skin wound healing.

Automated summary

Bioactive peptides from natural resources have attracted attention for their beneficial biological properties in skin wound healing. Polysaccharides, known for their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ease of modification, were used as carriers for peptide delivery to wounds. Xanthan hydrogels modified with the peptide VW-9 showed increased swelling and efficient release of the peptide. These modified hydrogels were compatible with fibroblast and macrophage cells, and effectively reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines in activated cells. Consequently, VW-9-modified xanthan hydrogels hold promise for skin wound healing applications.