Dextrin: a platform for the development of drug delivery systems

Abstract

Dextrin is a biocompatible polysaccharide that can be suited for the conjugation with bioactive agents while enabling controlled release at the target site. LLKKK18, an LL37 human cathelicidin analog, has been engineered to enhance antimicrobial properties and decrease toxicity. In this work, chemically modified dextrin bearing a carboxylic group has been produced to allow the conjugation with LLKKK18 for the treatment of osteomyelitis. FT-IR spectra confirmed dextrin modification while maximum degradability was achieved after approximately 2h. A batch of 30% mol modification was used to conjugate with LLKKK18 and incubated in vitro with Staphylococcus aureus. Conjugates incubated with -amylase were more effective in killing bacteria when compared to conjugates with intact bonds, emphasizing the protective effect of dextrin and indicating a controlled peptide release.