Furan-based polymer: evaluating the cytogenotoxic profile from starting materials to the final product

Author(s)

dos Santos, Isabela Caroline ; da Silva, Lucas Henrique Domingos ; Paris Junior, Jose Alberto ; Dorm, Bruna Carolina ; Trovatti, Eliane ; Resende, Flavia Aparecida

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: POLYMER BULLETIN; v. 81, n. 15, p. 17-pg., 2024-06-24.

Abstract

Polymers derived from renewable sources, particularly those based on furan, have attracted significant attention within the scientific community due to their potential as an ecologically viable alternative, aiming to minimize the negative impacts arising from the accumulation of plastics derived from fossil hydrocarbons. However, few toxicogenetic studies have been conducted. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of starting materials (hexamethylenediamine, maleic anhydride, furan and furan maleic anhydride adduct), as well as a new polymer derived from the furan maleic anhydride adduct. Hexamethylenediamine, maleic anhydride, and furan maleic anhydride adduct exhibited comparable cytotoxic profiles, whereas furan demonstrated lower cytotoxic potential (IC50 of 72.94 +/- 2.49 mg/mL), yet it was the only reagent capable of inducing mutagenicity. Furan's mutagenic activity by Ames test was observed in the TA100 strain, both with and without metabolization. The polymer, in turn, exhibited low cytotoxic effect (cell viability exceeding 70%) and demonstrated non-mutagenicity under the experimental conditions, emphasizing its safety concerning toxicological risks. In conclusion, this study contributes to the genotoxicological safety assessment of starting materials, and a new polymer sourced from renewable origins. The absence of mutagenicity and the low cytotoxic potential of the assessed samples contribute to the battery of tests required to indicate safe applications, thereby fostering acceptance, and minimizing associated risks. Among the evaluated reagents, special caution is warranted in handling furan due to its potential to induce gene mutations. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/18782-6 - Click chemistry platform for the development of polymer-based materials for regenerative medicine
• Grantee: Eliane Trovatti
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 22/02118-8 - Analysis of the cytotoxicity and mutagenicity of starting materials and a new furan-based polymer
• Grantee: Isabela Caroline dos Santos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 17/16278-9 - Study of the genotoxicological potential and permeation assay with Caco-2 cells of metallic complexes with promising biological activities
• Grantee: Flávia Aparecida Resende Nogueira
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants