Mucoadhesive Low Molecular Chitosan Complexes to Protect rHuKGF from Proteolysis: In-vitro Characterization and FHs 74 Int Cell Proliferation Studies

Background: Recombinant Keratinocyte Growth Factor (rHuKGF) is a therapeutic protein used widely in oral mucositis after chemotherapy in various cancers, stimulating lung morphogenesis and gastrointestinal tract cell proliferation. In this research study, chitosan-rHuKGF polymeric complex was implemented to improve the stability of rHuKGF and used as rejuvenation therapy for the treatment of oral mucositis in cancer patients. Objective: Complexation of rHuKGF with mucoadhesive low molecular weight chitosan to protect rHuKGF from proteolysis and investigate the effect of chitosan-rHuKGF complex on the proliferation rate of FHs 74 Int cells. Methods: The interaction between chitosan and rHuKGF was studied by molecular docking. Malvern ZetaSizer Nano Zs and Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) tests were carried out to characterize the chitosan-rHuKGF complex. In addition, SDS-PAGE was performed to investigate the interaction between chitosan-rHuKGF complex and pepsin. The effect of chitosan-rHuKGF complex on the proliferation rate of FHs 74 Int cells was studied by MTT assay. Results: Chitosan-rHuKGF complex was formed through the hydrogen bonding proven by the docking studies. A stable chitosan-rHuKGF complex was formed at pH 4.5 and was protected from proteolysis and assessed by SDS PAGE. According to the MTT assay results, chitosan-rHuKGF complex increased the cell proliferation rate of FHs 74 Int cells. Conclusion: The developed complex improved the stability and the biological function of rHuKGF.