Competitive Evaluation on Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties for Three Different Molecular Weights of Commercial Chitosan Biopolymer

Abstract

Chitosan is a nontoxic copolymer that is a plentiful natural biopolymer derived from the exoskeletons of crustaceans and arthropods. Three distinct macromolecular weights of commercial chitosan i.e high, medium, and low were screened for their significant properties as antioxidant and antimicrobial. Because chitosan can protect important cell macromolecules, reduce free radical generation, and
prevent oxidative stress, it is likely to have a wide range of medical and physiological uses. The study showed that chitosan can scavenge a wide range of free radicals, including DPPH, ABTS.+, hydrogen peroxide, and free radical, Fe3+ reduction. When compared to the other molecular weights of chitosan, in-vitro antioxidant tests revealed that low molecular weight chitosan was the best antioxidant molecular weight The following was the order of the comparative antioxidant properties (IC50) of various molecular weights of chitosan: ABST< H2O2 <FRPA < DPPH. Chitosan (LMW, MMW, and HMW) was tested in vitro against a panel of G+ve and G-ve bacterial pathogens and fungi. The results showed that chitosan exhibited broad and prolonged antibacterial action against G+ve and Gve bacteria, fungi, and yeast, based on the concentration (400 μg/ml). Additionally, MIC tests revealed moderate antimicrobial activity against Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli and strong antimicrobial activity against Gram positive bacteria (Staph aureus and Bacillus subtilis); MIC values against Fusarium solani, F. oxysporium, and A. niger ranged from 100 to 150 μg/ml.