Punica granatum peels, relevant to the pericarp and mesocarp fruit, are known for their high content of bioactive molecules. Several studies have demonstrated the excellent antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of numerous metabolites, including catechins, flavonoids, tannins, and gallic acids. One of the most abundant polyphenols is punicalagin, well known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which inhibits the production of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). In this study, we report, for the first time, a new hydrogel based on a blend of high and low acyl content Gellan gum loaded with a polyphenols-rich pomegranate peel extract for in situ cartilage tissue repair and prevention of inflammatory disease infection. Gellan gum is an anionic carbohydrate showing excellent gelling, low cytotoxicity, mucoadhesive, and biodegradable properties, even if the low mechanical strength limits its employment for cartilage applications. In this respect, to overcome the carbohydrate poor mechanical properties, the introduction of a polyphenol-rich matrix, like the extract of Punica granatum peels (PE), was exploited. Cytocompatibility and antibacterial activities of PE have been tested. This research highlights the possibility of exploiting the multiple advantages deriving from the use of this natural extract in the development of a bioactive hydrogel for tissue engineering applications.
A new Gellan gum-based hydrogel loaded with pomegranate peel extract for tissue engineering applications
Busto F.;De Giglio E.
2026-01-01
Abstract
Punica granatum peels, relevant to the pericarp and mesocarp fruit, are known for their high content of bioactive molecules. Several studies have demonstrated the excellent antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of numerous metabolites, including catechins, flavonoids, tannins, and gallic acids. One of the most abundant polyphenols is punicalagin, well known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which inhibits the production of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). In this study, we report, for the first time, a new hydrogel based on a blend of high and low acyl content Gellan gum loaded with a polyphenols-rich pomegranate peel extract for in situ cartilage tissue repair and prevention of inflammatory disease infection. Gellan gum is an anionic carbohydrate showing excellent gelling, low cytotoxicity, mucoadhesive, and biodegradable properties, even if the low mechanical strength limits its employment for cartilage applications. In this respect, to overcome the carbohydrate poor mechanical properties, the introduction of a polyphenol-rich matrix, like the extract of Punica granatum peels (PE), was exploited. Cytocompatibility and antibacterial activities of PE have been tested. This research highlights the possibility of exploiting the multiple advantages deriving from the use of this natural extract in the development of a bioactive hydrogel for tissue engineering applications.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
