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The Far Eastern Federal University (FEFU) scientists have developed new technologies for creating low-molecular pectins. This will increase their effectiveness as a means of cleaning the human body from heavy metals and radionuclides and facilitate the development of appropriate medication. The results of the study were published in the authoritative International Journal of Biological Macromolecules.

In their latest developments, the team of researchers at the FEFU School of Biomedicine (SBM) managed to obtain derivatives of highly active pectins with a simplified molecular structure. Scientists discovered that a decrease in molecular weight had led to an even greater increase in their metal binding ability. Pectins isolated from citrus and sea grass were used for studies, the structure of which was modified by chemical methods.

“Pectins have a complex heterogeneous molecular structure, which varies greatly depending on the method and source of production. This complicates their use in the manufacture of medicines. Reducing the molecular weight of pectins leads to an increase in their homogeneity, which greatly simplifies the process of their standardization and the development of the draft pharmacopoeial item. This will make it possible to use pectins more widely when creating medicines,” said Elena Khozhayenko, Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy, FEFU School of Biomedicine.

The results obtained can be applied in various fields. First of all, it is the creation of drugs that protect the human body from the ions of heavy metals and radionuclides. Similarly developed substances can be used in the food industry when creating functional foods. Another option is the development of efficient industrial wastewater treatment systems for heavy metals that can capture and retain metallic ions even in negligible concentrations.

The work is carried out at the Pharmacology and Biological Testing Laboratory of the FEFU School of Biomedicine. The research is being conducted by the Head of the Laboratory, Doctor of Medical Sciences Maxim Khotimchenko, Associate Professors Ksenia Makarova and Elena Khozhayenko, young scientists and graduate students of the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology of the FEFU School of Biomedicine. Researches are supported within the framework of the integrated program of the Russian Scientific Foundation on the development of innovative drugs and functional foods.

It should be noted that the previous development of the team of the FEFU School of Biomedicine have already been introduced into industry. Vostokpharm research and production company (Vladivostok) has developed the production of biologically active food additives containing highly active polysaccharides of pectin and algae nature. Research in FEFU is continuing to create new materials for the prevention of violations caused by heavy metals and radionuclides, the main factor in environmental pollution in major industrial centres.