DSC evaluation of cross-link development induced by laccases in corneas

Author(s)

Morandim-Giannetti, Andreia De Araujo ; Carvalho, Taleesa Souza ; de Andrade Neto, Jose Carlos ; Bersanetti, Patricia Alessandra

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY; v. 148, n. 1, p. 6-pg., 2022-11-25.

Abstract

Several studies have been developed aiming at new treatments for ophthalmological problems such as keratoconus, an eye disease that leads to the reduction of cross-links between the corneal collagen fibrils. Corroborating these studies, this work evaluated the increase of cross-linking in enucleated porcine eyes treated with catechin in the presence of laccase. The ideal conditions for the treatment of the cornea to promote the development of cross-links were determined through the application of a design of experiments. The input variables were the concentration of laccase and the reaction temperature, and the output variable was the enthalpy of corneal denaturation. The DSC results show that the ideal laccase concentration was 8.0 mg mL(-1) and the temperature was 36.0 degrees C. The catechin concentration used was 5.0 mg mL(-1). This condition led to a 10.8% increase in the denaturation temperature and a 110.3% increase in the denaturation enthalpy. Enzymatic degradation tests showed that within 24 h of digestion the group treated with laccase in the presence of catechin was more resistant compared to the control group. A decrease of 34.7 and 55.6% in the relative area and relative mass of corneas in the control group was verified, while for the group treated with laccase these values were 41.7 and 8.5%, respectively. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/19273-2 - Laccase application in the modification of biomaterials and tissue for ophthalmic use and evaluation of the production of it by endophytic fungi of Manihot Esculenta, Crantz
• Grantee: Andreia de Araújo Morandim
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants