Evaluation of biocompatible amino acid-functionalized cellulose composites: Characterizations, molecular modeling, anticoagulant activity, and cytocompatibility

This study explored the anticoagulant activity of biocompatibility and biodegradability of all-natural composite based on cellulose cysteine Schiff's base composites and compared it with molecular modeling calculations. These composites were prepared through two steps: cellulose was oxidized to dialdehyde cellulose (DAC) via sodium periodate, followed by coupling with a different ratio of cysteine. The oxidation and coupling reactions were confirmed by studying the chemical structures via physiochemical analysis and surface morphology via scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. In addition, the prepared samples' anticoagulant activity was studied by determining blood agglutination factors regarding prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) compared with the activity of native cellulose and DAC. The obtained results demonstrated that cellulose cysteine Schiff's base composites enhance the coagulation times of blood plasma, and maximum anticoagulant activities were recorded at 45, 40, and 35 μg/mL for loading of 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 mmoL cysteine, respectively. The cytotoxicity of the prepared composites was also tested using a Vero cell (normal fibroblast cell line). Results revealed that cellulose cysteine Schiff's base composites had negligible cytotoxicity.

Additionally, the activity of the prepared composites was performed and referred to as capitulation calcium ion. Moreover, the molecular modeling of bovine thrombin complexes (PDB: 1ETT) with cellulose cysteine Schiff's base was studied to confirm the functionalization of composite toward the calcium ion to prevent blood coagulation. This study suggests using cellulose cysteine Schiff's base composites as a coating in blood packs in the blood donation process.