DVS-crosslinked pectin microgels via reverse micelle microemulsion: Structural characterization, antibacterial activity, and pH-responsive drug delivery
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, cilt.378, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 378
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2026.153613
- Dergi Adı: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, Chemical Abstracts Core, Compendex, EMBASE, INSPEC, MEDLINE
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Antibacterial activity, Drug delivery system, Pectin, Pectin microgel, Polysaccharide
- Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
The synthesis of multifunctional biomaterials derived from polysaccharides is of great importance for biomedical applications, but challenges in achieving structural controls and targeted effects remain. In this study, we report the synthesis and optimization of three-dimensional (3D) cross-linked pectin microgels for the first time via reverse micelle microemulsion polymerization. The highly uniform, spherical, and porous structure of the synthesized microgels in the size range of 2–10 μm was revealed by electron microscopy. Cross-linking and incorporation of iron oxide nanoparticles into the microgel matrix were confirmed by characterization. Apart from the structural properties, the synthesized pectin microgels showed a potent antibacterial effect against E. coli with an inhibition zone of up to 24 mm and extract-based cytotoxicity evaluations revealed high biocompatibility with a viability rate of over 80% on NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells, although direct contact at high concentration reduced viability. Moreover, when analyzed as a drug delivery vehicle, it exhibited a controlled and pH-sensitive release profile over 7 days, making it a candidate for therapeutic applications. Kinetic modeling further indicated a predominantly diffusion-coupled, anomalous (non-Fickian) transport that shifted toward a relaxation-controlled mechanism at physiological/basic pH and upon covalent conjugation, consistent with the pH-responsive swelling of the network. Furthermore, accelerated degradation tests demonstrated a predictable mass loss of 35% over 6 months. These results show that this multifunctional pectin microgel offers significant potential for advanced biomedical applications, particularly as a versatile platform for pH-sensitive drug delivery with inherent antibacterial and magnetic properties.