Toxicity Assessment of Fungal Chitin obtained from Aspergillus niger and Evaluation of its Antioxidant Potential in BALB/c Mice

Author: Harpreet Kaur and Deepak K. Rahi

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Abstract

N-acetyl glucosamine, a component of the fungal cell wall and a biopolymer with several industrial uses, including the food industry, makes up chitin. Therefore, in the present study, the fungal chitin obtained from Aspergillus niger intended to be used in the food industry was assessed for its toxicity and evaluated for antioxidant potential in a BALB/c mouse model. For this, the test chitin was administered orally to six groups of mice, with five mice in each group. Animals were divided into several groups and given variable amounts of chitin, with one group being designated as the "control". The study was conducted for 14 days, and various affecting parameters, including clinical, behavioral, and physical patterns, mood, sleep, eating pattern, weight, fur, and skin, were observed along with histopathology studies. The results obtained revealed no adverse effect of chitin on mice. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) examinations also revealed that chitin is within safe limits to be used in various food applications. The maximum dose of chitin administered was 1000mg/kg body weight of mice, while the minimum dose was 100mg /kg body weight of mice. According to histopathology findings, even the maximum dose of chitin (1000 mg/kg body weight) was safe and had no adverse effects on the gut, liver, or kidney. An in vivo study of the blood sample revealed that the test chitin had good antioxidant properties concerning standard ascorbic acid. No challenges were faced while conducting the study. Chitin serves as an good antioxidant agent. This can be used to replace the synthetic antioxidants as it shows also similar effect.

Keywords

Aspergillus niger, chitin, antioxidant, in vivo, toxicity

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study was conducted to investigate the toxicity effect of chitin in BALB/c mice and its antioxidant activity in vivo. The results showed that oral administration of chitin has no toxic effect on the behavior or physiology of mice. In addition to it, chitin has good antioxidant activity as it increases the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH) significantly. Histopathology examination revealed that chitin has no signs of necropsy, abrasions, or any toxic effects. The AST and ALT levels revealed good liver functioning with chitin.

References

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How to cite this article

Harpreet Kaur and Deepak K. Rahi (2023). Toxicity Assessment of Fungal Chitin obtained from Aspergillus niger and Evaluation of its Antioxidant Potential in BALB/c Mice. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(6): 668-673.