Assessment of Oligo-Chitosan Biocompatibility toward Human Spermatozoa

Abstract

The many interesting properties of chitosan polysaccharides have prompted their extensive use as biomaterial building blocks, for instance as antimicrobial coatings, tissue engineering scaffolds, and drug delivery vehicles. The translation of these chitosan-based systems to the clinic still requires a deeper understanding of their safety profiles. For instance, the widespread claim that chitosans are spermicidal is supported by little to no data. Herein, we thoroughly investigate whether chitosan oligomer (CO) molecules can impact the functional and structural features of human spermatozoa. By using a large number of primary sperm cell samples and by isolating the effect of chitosan from the effect of sperm dissolution buffer, we provide the first realistic and complete picture of the effect of chitosans on sperms. We found that CO binds to cell surfaces or/and is internalized by cells and affected the average path velocity of the spermatozoa, in a dose-dependent manner. However, CO did not affect the progressive motility, motility, or sperm morphology, nor did it cause loss of plasma membrane integrity, reactive oxygen species production, or DNA damage. A decrease in spermatozoa adenosine triphosphate levels, which was especially significant at higher CO concentrations, points to possible interference of CO with mitochondrial functions or the glycolysis processes. With this first complete and in-depth look at the spermicidal activities of chitosans, we complement the complex picture of the safety profile of chitosans and inform on further use of chitosans in biomedical applications.

Topical reinforcement of the cervical mucus barrier to sperm

“…In addition to the direct effects of chitosan on CM, the chitosan formulation could interfere with sperm migration by affecting viability and motility. We have previously shown that oligo-chitosans are relatively inert toward human sperm ( 37 ); however, these differ in molar mass to the chitosan used here. In the ewe, the proportion of motile sperm in the vagina and ecto-cervix was near 100% immediately after AI, even in the presence of HEC and HEC/chitosan formulations (Fig.…”

“…DDA of chitosans was determined by 1 H NMR. SEC and 1 H NMR spectra were acquired as described elsewhere ( 37 ). Results on chitosan oligomer and chitosan characterization are compiled in Table 2.…”

The Microstructure, Antibacterial and Antitumor Activities of Chitosan Oligosaccharides and Derivatives

“…In a study of the effect of COSs on colorectal cancer in a mouse model, there was no significant toxicity of COSs to the kidney and liver at oral doses [20]. In 2019, a study exhibited that COSs show no signs of toxicity to human sperm function [21].…”

Metformin-loaded β-TCP/CTS/SBA-15 composite scaffolds promote alveolar bone regeneration in a rat model of periodontitis

“…Chitosan (CTS) plays a crucial role in many biological activities, including antimicrobial and wound healing [ 11 ]. This material is applied to hemostasis, control of hypertension, drug delivery and has been extensively used as bone scaffold [ 12 , 13 ]. More importantly, due to the positive effect on wound healing and anti-inflammation, CTS has received significant attention in dentistry.…”