Biocompatibility, biodegradation, and antioxidative potential of alginate-dragon's blood sap microbeads implanted subcutaneously in mice.

PURPOSE: To evaluate alginate-dragon's blood sap microbeads (DBSM) regarding biocompatibility, biodegradation, and antioxidative potential.

METHODS

Three DBSMs at concentrations of 1, 2, and 5% were developed by the drop spherification, and alginate-1% glycerin microbeads (GM) were used as control. Biocompatibility and biodegradation were evaluated by subcutaneous assay in 50 Swiss male mice, divided in the groups G1 (1% DBSM), G2 (2% DBSM) and G3 (5% DBSM), which were compared to C+ (1% GM) and C- (sham) at three and nine weeks. The histopathology of tissue irritation followed the ISO 10993-6 standard and the integrity of the biomaterials scored by quartiles. Metabolic analysis of intensity of catalase was carried out in the liver, kidneys, and tibias of the tested animals.

RESULTS

All microbeads were biocompatible, with less tissue irritation and greater partial resorption in G3 in subcutaneous tissue and preserved systemic antioxidant potential.

CONCLUSION

The controlled release of dragon's blood sap from Croton lechleri using alginate microbeads suggests a local anti-inflammatory action dependent on the concentration of the bioactive compound. Its role in repairing specialized connective tissues such as bone should be elucidated by future in-vivo orthotopic tests.