Science and Technology
In News: Biomaterial from fungal extract helps heal wounds
Pullulan polymer
- The biomaterial is derived from the polymer pullulan which is secreted by the fungus Aureobasidium pullulans.
- It is an exopolysaccharide, that is, this polymer is secreted by the fungus itself into the medium on which it is growing.
- Pullulan as a biomaterial is already successful and widely used commercially.
- It is exploited in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industry because of its non-toxic, non-mutagenic and non-immunogenic properties.
- In the biomedicine sector, it has been used for drug and gene delivery
Disinfecting the wounds and hastening the process of healing
- Pullulan is basically a polymeric chain of glucose by keeping the biocompatible carbohydrate backbone of the polymer intact and adding some quaternary ammonium groups, make the polymer positively charged
- They process the polymer to get a powder which is water-soluble. This solution can be applied on the wound surface and then covered with sterile gauze. This can also be used in a gel form.
- With this gel the wounds can be disinfected and also healed faster.
Previous Year Questions (PYQs)
Q.1) What is cas9 protein that is often mentioned in news? (2019)
- A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing.
- A biosensor used in the accurate detection of pathogens in patients.
- A gene that makes plants pest-resistant
- A herbicidal substance synthesized in generally modified crops
Q.2) The term ‘ACE2’ is talked about in the context of (2021)
- genes introduced in the genetically modified plants
- development of India’s own satellite navigation system
- radio collar for wildlife tracking
- spread of viral diseases
Source: The Hindu
