Alginates biodegradation

Steffan S, Bardi L, Marzona M (2005) Azo dyes biodegradation by microbial cultures immobilized in alginate beads. Environ Int Special Issue Recent Adv Bioremediat 31 (2) 201-205... 

Biodegradable polymers, both synthetic and natural, have gained more attention as carriers because of their biocompatibility and biodegradability and therewith the low impact on the environment. Examples of biodegradable polymers are synthetic polymers, such as polyesters, poly(orfho-esters), polyanhydrides and polyphosphazenes, and natural polymers, like polysaccharides such as chitosan, hyaluronic acid and alginates. 

Addition of microorganisms and enzymes stimulates the biodegradation of xenobiotics in soils. Most efforts have been directed toward the use of bacterial inocula grown in large fermenters for the bioremediation of soils contaminated with PCP. Also, microbial immobilization on bark chips or their encapsulation in polyurethane or alginate, enhances their PCP-degrading ability as well as their resistance to PCP toxicity. 

Gel formation is via ion exchange of sodium in serum for calcium within the alginate dressing. A biodegradable gel is formed when the fiber is in contact with exudate, and the released calcium contributes to the clotting mechanism. The gel may be firm or soft depending upon the proportions of calcium and sodium in the fiber. It is removed with saline. 

Several other biodegradable, biocompatible, injectable polymers are being investigated for drug delivery systems. They include polyvinyl alcohol, block copolymer of PLA-PEG, polycyanoacrylate, polyanhydrides, cellulose, alginate, collagen, gelatin, albumin, starches, dextrans, hyaluronic acid and its derivatives, and hydroxyapatite. ... 

Mittal, S.K. Aggarwal, N. Sailaja, G. van Olphen, A. HogenEsch, H. North, A. Hays, J. Moffatt, S. Immunization with DNA, adenovirus or both in biodegradable alginate microspheres effect of route of inoculation on immune response. Vaccine, in press. 

It has been shown that a modified drug release can be obtained from calcium alginate microcapsules, pellets, and microspheres. When biodegradable bone implants composed of calcium alginate spheres and containing gentamicin were introduced into the femur of rats, effective drug levels in bone and soft tissue were obtained for 30 days and 7 days, respectively. ... 

Cellulases are enzymes contributing to biodegradation of algal biomass. Cellulases production has been recorded in representatives of all the four investigated species of luminous bacteria from CC IBSO. Alginate lyase production... 

PH A blends with natural biodegradable polymers such as starch [108], pullulan [109], dextran, amylose and alginate [110], have been reported. Furthermore, blends of bacterially synthesized fully-biodegradable P(3HB)... 

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