Nanostructured Polymeric Coatings Based on Chitosan and Dopamine‐Modified Hyaluronic Acid for Biomedical Applications

In a marine environment, specific proteins are secreted by mussels and used as a bioglue to stick to a surface. These mussel proteins present an unusual amino acid 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (known as DOPA). The outstanding adhesive properties of these materials in the sea harsh conditions have been attributed to the presence of the catechol groups present in DOPA. Inspired by the structure and composition of these adhesive proteins, dopamine‐modified hyaluronic acid (HA‐DN) prepared by carbodiimide chemistry is used to form thin and surface‐adherent dopamine films. This conjugate was characterized by distinct techniques, such as nuclear magnetic resonance and ultraviolet spectrophotometry. Multilayer films are developed based on chitosan and HA‐DN to form polymeric coatings using the layer‐by‐layer methodology. The nanostructured films formation is monitored by quartz crystal microbalance. The film surface is characterized by atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Water contact angle measurements are also conducted. The adhesion properties are analyzed showing that the nanostructured films with dopamine promote an improved adhesion. In vitro tests show an enhanced cell adhesion, proliferation and viability for the biomimetic films with catechol groups, demonstrating their potential to be used in distinct biomedical applications.     

A novel recombinant bioadhesive designed from the non-repeating region of Perna viridis foot protein-1

The repeating decapeptides of the mussel adhesive protein (MAP) were considered as the basis for mussel adhesion in wet environment for it contains L-3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA). However, DOPA residue in the Perna viridis foot protein-1 (Pvfp-1) do not exist in the repeating decapeptide sequence but present in the non-repeating region. Therefore, it is quite necessary to evaluate the adhesive capacity of the repeating and non-repeating regions of Pvfp-1. In this study, the sequence of eight repeating decapeptides (R-240) and the sequence of the non-repeating region (C-237) of Pvfp-1 was amplified and expressed, respectively. With adsorption, adhesion and coating analysis, it was found that the recombinant C-237 has comparable adhesion and coating ability compared with that of Cell-Tak? (the positive control) and it was also much better than that of R-240, especially on the non-adhesive PTFE surface. Moreover, C-237 exhibited no cytotoxicity and showed better cell adhesion and spreading abilities than that of R-240 on both glass and PTFE surfaces. Therefore, the recombinant C-237 could be used as bioadhesive for medical purpose and be potentially used as an improver for bio-inert materials when applied in biomedical areas.     

多巴胺对骨修复材料表面改性的研究进展

随着骨缺损病患的日益增多,对骨修复材料的要求越来越高,寻求有效的方法使骨修复材料实现功能化,以改善材料与骨组织之间的相互作用及促进骨组织快速修复成了关键所在。海洋生物贻贝分泌的粘附蛋白在水环境中展现出超强粘附性能,能牢固附着于各种材料表面。受粘附蛋白启发,研究发现多巴胺(Dopamine,DA)具有与贻贝粘附蛋白类似的结构和性能,其具有超强粘附性、化学反应活性以及生物相容性;特别是其对骨细胞有优异的粘附、增殖效果,有望用于骨修复材料的表面改性。着重介绍了DA的主要性能以及其在骨修复材料表面改性方面的研究进展。     

Significant Performance Enhancement of Polymer Resins by Bioinspired Dynamic Bonding

Marine mussels use catechol‐rich interfacial mussel foot proteins (mfps) as primers that attach to mineral surfaces via hydrogen, metal coordination, electrostatic, ionic, or hydrophobic bonds, creating a secondary surface that promotes bonding to the bulk mfps. Inspired by this biological adhesive primer, it is shown that a ≈1 nm thick catecholic single‐molecule priming layer increases the adhesion strength of crosslinked polymethacrylate resin on mineral surfaces by up to an order of magnitude when compared with conventional primers such as noncatecholic silane‐ and phosphate‐based grafts. Molecular dynamics simulations confirm that catechol groups anchor to a variety of mineral surfaces and shed light on the binding mode of each molecule. Here, a ≈50% toughness enhancement is achieved in a stiff load‐bearing polymer network, demonstrating the utility of mussel‐inspired bonding for processing a wide range of polymeric interfaces, including structural, load‐bearing materials.     

An All-in-One “4A Hydrogel”: through First-Aid Hemostatic,Antibacterial, Antioxidant,and Angiogenic to Promoting Infected Wound Healing

Currently used wound dressings are ineffective. Hence, there is a need to develop introduce a high-performance medicament with multiple functions including rapid hemostasis and excellent antibacterial activity to meet the growing worldwide demand for wound healing products. Here, inspired by the strong adhesion of mussels and the enzyme-mimicking activity of nanometallic biomaterials, the authors developed an injectable hydrogel to overcome multiple limitations of current wound dressings. The hydrogel is synthesized via esterification reaction between poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), followed by catechol-metal coordination between Cu²⁺ and the catechol groups of DOPA to form a PVA-DOPA-Cu (PDPC) hydrogel. The PDPC hydrogel possesses excellent tissue adhesive, antioxidative, photothermal, antibacterial, and hemostatic properties. The hydrogel rapidly and efficiently stopped bleeding under different traumatic conditions, including otherwise-lethal liver injury, high-pressure carotid artery rupture, and even fatal cardiac penetration injuries in animal models. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the PDPC hydrogel affected high-performance wound repair and tissue regeneration by accelerating re-epithelialization, promoting collagen deposition, regulating inflammation, and contributing to vascularization. The results show that PDPC hydrogel is a promising candidate for rapid hemorrhage control and efficient wound healing in multiple clinical applications.     

Antibiotic-decorated titanium with enhanced antibacterial activity through adhesive polydopamine for dental/bone implant

Implant-associated infections, which are normally induced by microbial adhesion and subsequent biofilm formation, are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, practical approaches to prevent implant-associated infections are in great demand. Inspired by adhesive proteins in mussels, here we have developed a novel antibiotic-decorated titanium (Ti) material with enhanced antibacterial activity. In this study, Ti substrate was coated by one-step pH-induced polymerization of dopamine followed by immobilization of the antibiotic cefotaxime sodium (CS) onto the polydopamine-coated Ti through catechol chemistry. Contact angle measurement and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the presence of CS grafted on the Ti surface. Our results demonstrated that the antibiotic-grafted Ti substrate showed good biocompatibility and well-behaved haemocompatibility. In addition, the antibiotic-grafted Ti could effectively prevent adhesion and proliferation of Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) and Streptococcus mutans (Gram-positive). Moreover, the inhibition of biofilm formation on the antibiotic-decorated Ti indicated that the grafted CS could maintain its long-term antibacterial activity. This modified Ti substrate with enhanced antibacterial activity holds great potential as implant material for applications in dental and bone graft substitutes.     

The microscopic network structure of mussel (Mytilus) adhesive plaques

Marine mussels of the genus Mytilus live in the hostile intertidal zone, attached to rocks, bio-fouled surfaces and each other via collagen-rich threads ending in adhesive pads, the plaques. Plaques adhere in salty, alkaline seawater, withstanding waves and tidal currents. Each plaque requires a force of several newtons to detach. Although the molecular composition of the plaques has been well studied, a complete understanding of supra-molecular plaque architecture and its role in maintaining adhesive strength remains elusive. Here, electron microscopy and neutron scattering studies of plaques harvested from Mytilus californianus and Mytilus galloprovincialis reveal a complex network structure reminiscent of structural foams. Two characteristic length scales are observed characterizing a dense meshwork (approx. 100 nm) with large interpenetrating pores (approx. 1 µm). The network withstands chemical denaturation, indicating significant cross-linking. Plaques formed at lower temperatures have finer network struts, from which we hypothesize a kinetically controlled formation mechanism. When mussels are induced to create plaques, the resulting structure lacks a well-defined network architecture, showcasing the importance of processing over self-assembly. Together, these new data provide essential insight into plaque structure and formation and set the foundation to understand the role of plaque structure in stress distribution and toughening in natural and biomimetic materials.     

Laser processing of natural mussel adhesive protein thin films

A novel laser processing technique is presented for depositing mussel adhesive protein thin films. Synthetic adhesives (e.g., acrylics, cyanoacrylates, epoxies, phenolics, polyurethanes, and silicones) have largely displaced natural adhesives in the automotive, aerospace, biomedical, electronic, and marine equipment industries over the past century. However, rising concerns over the environmental and health effects of solvents, monomers, and additives used in synthetic adhesives have led the adhesives community to seek natural alternatives. Marine mussel adhesive protein is a formaldehyde-free natural adhesive that demonstrates excellent adhesion to several classes of materials, including pure metals, metal oxides, polymers, and glasses. We have demonstrated the deposition of Mytilus edulis foot protein-1 thin films using matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE). The Fourier transform infrared spectrum data suggest that the matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation process does not cause significant damage to the chemical structure of M. edulis foot protein-1. In addition, matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation appears to provide a better control over film thickness and film roughness than conventional solvent-based thin film processing techniques. MAPLE-deposited mussel adhesive protein thin films have numerous potential electronic, medical, and marine applications.     

Viscosity and interfacial properties in a mussel-inspired adhesive coacervate

The chemistry of mussel adhesion has commanded the focus of much recent research activity on wet adhesion. By comparison, the equally critical adhesive processing by marine organisms has been little examined. Using a mussel-inspired coacervate formed by mixing a recombinant mussel adhesive protein (fp-151-RGD) with hyaluronic acid (HA), we have examined the nanostructure, viscosity, friction, and interfacial energy of fluid-fluid phase-separated coacervates using the surface forces apparatus and microscopic techniques. At mixing ratios of fp-151-RGD:HA resulting in marginal coacervation, the coacervates showed shear-thickening viscosity and no structure by cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). However, at the mixing ratio producing maximum coacervation, the coacervate showed shear-thinning viscosity and a transition to a bicontinuous phase by cryo-TEM. The shear-thinning viscosity, high friction coefficient (>1.2), and low interfacial energy (<1 mJ m(-2)) observed at the optimal mixing ratio for coacervation are promising delivery, spreading and adhesion properties for future wet adhesive and coating technologies.     

Ocean acidification alters the material properties of Mytilus edulis shells

Ocean acidification (OA) and the resultant changing carbonate saturation states is threatening the formation of calcium carbonate shells and exoskeletons of marine organisms. The production of biominerals in such organisms relies on the availability of carbonate and the ability of the organism to biomineralize in changing environments. To understand how biomineralizers will respond to OA the common blue mussel, Mytilus edulis, was cultured at projected levels of pCO₂ (380, 550, 750, 1000 µatm) and increased temperatures (ambient, ambient plus 2°C). Nanoindentation (a single mussel shell) and microhardness testing were used to assess the material properties of the shells. Young''s modulus (E), hardness (H) and toughness (K_IC) were measured in mussel shells grown in multiple stressor conditions. OA caused mussels to produce shell calcite that is stiffer (higher modulus of elasticity) and harder than shells grown in control conditions. The outer shell (calcite) is more brittle in OA conditions while the inner shell (aragonite) is softer and less stiff in shells grown under OA conditions. Combining increasing ocean pCO₂ and temperatures as projected for future global ocean appears to reduce the impact of increasing pCO₂ on the material properties of the mussel shell. OA may cause changes in shell material properties that could prove problematic under predation scenarios for the mussels; however, this may be partially mitigated by increasing temperature.     

Development of an universal affinity fusion tag (Poly‐DOPA) for immobilizing recombinant proteins on biomaterials

The covalent and non‐covalent immobilization of growth factors such as recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP‐2) on metals and bone replacement materials in bioactive form is a recent development. Up to now the immobilization technology usually involved the chemical modification and activation of the biomaterial surface followed by attachment of the bioactive protein. Here we suggest an alternative method in which an affinity tag fused to an active protein will allow immobilization without additional chemistry. For biomaterials such as minerals, metals (titanium, steel, CoCrMo), glass ceramics, teflon and possibly bone and teeth ideal adhesion molecules would be the foot proteins (Mefps) of the mussel M. edulis which contain the rare amino acid dihydroxy phenylalanine (DOPA). Recently it could be shown by Messersmith's group that a single DOPA‐molecule can be non‐covalently bound to titanium dioxide surface with a dissociation energy of 22.2 kcal/mol (Lee, H.; Scherer, N. F.; Messersmith, P. B. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A 2006, 103, 12999–13003).We therefore propose the DOPA‐tag as a general and versatile affinity tag for the immobilization of proteins on biomaterials.     

Adhesive secretions of live mussels observed in situ by attenuated total reflection-infrared spectroscopy

The chemical species involved in the adhesion of blue mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and greenshell mussels (Perna canaliculus) to surfaces has been investigated using in situ attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy. Mussel spat ranging in size from 0.5 to 25 mm were placed in a flow cell containing a ZnSe multiple internal reflection prism and supplied with temperature-controlled seawater. Distinctively different absorption spectra were obtained when the mussels were predominantly moving across the surface or forming permanent bonds. With limited movement, the absorption spectrum was characteristic of protein with peaks near 1647 cm-1 (amide I), 1543 cm-1 (amide II), and 1235 cm-1 (amide III). When the mussels were observed to be moving across the surface of the ATR-IR crystal there was a strong broad absorption maximum around 1200-900 cm-1 (carbohydrate polymers), presumably due to the secretion of a weakly acidic mucopolysaccharide. Distinct differences in the spectra obtained from the adhesive secretions of blue or greenshell mussels were not observed. The data presented is the first reported use of IR spectroscopy to obtain in situ, real-time, chemical data on the interactions between invertebrates and substrates immersed in sea water.     

Human climbing with efficiently scaled gecko-inspired dry adhesives

Since the discovery of the mechanism of adhesion in geckos, many synthetic dry adhesives have been developed with desirable gecko-like properties such as reusability, directionality, self-cleaning ability, rough surface adhesion and high adhesive stress. However, fully exploiting these adhesives in practical applications at different length scales requires efficient scaling (i.e. with little loss in adhesion as area grows). Just as natural gecko adhesives have been used as a benchmark for synthetic materials, so can gecko adhesion systems provide a baseline for scaling efficiency. In the tokay gecko (Gekko gecko), a scaling power law has been reported relating the maximum shear stress σ_max to the area A: σ_max ∝ A^−1/4. We present a mechanical concept which improves upon the gecko''s non-uniform load-sharing and results in a nearly even load distribution over multiple patches of gecko-inspired adhesive. We created a synthetic adhesion system incorporating this concept which shows efficient scaling across four orders of magnitude of area, yielding an improved scaling power law: σ_max ∝ A^−1/50. Furthermore, we found that the synthetic adhesion system does not fail catastrophically when a simulated failure is induced on a portion of the adhesive. In a practical demonstration, the synthetic adhesion system enabled a 70 kg human to climb vertical glass with 140 cm² of adhesive per hand.     

Average oxidation state of carbon in proteins

The formal oxidation state of carbon atoms in organic molecules depends on the covalent structure. In proteins, the average oxidation state of carbon (Z_C) can be calculated as an elemental ratio from the chemical formula. To investigate oxidation–reduction (redox) patterns, groups of proteins from different subcellular locations and phylogenetic groups were selected for comparison. Extracellular proteins of yeast have a relatively high oxidation state of carbon, corresponding with oxidizing conditions outside of the cell. However, an inverse relationship between Z_C and redox potential occurs between the endoplasmic reticulum and cytoplasm. This trend provides support for the hypothesis that protein transport and turnover are ultimately coupled to the maintenance of different glutathione redox potentials in subcellular compartments. There are broad changes in Z_C in whole-genome protein compositions in microbes from different environments, and in Rubisco homologues, lower Z_C tends to occur in organisms with higher optimal growth temperature. Energetic costs calculated from thermodynamic models are consistent with the notion that thermophilic organisms exhibit molecular adaptation to not only high temperature but also the reducing nature of many hydrothermal fluids. Further characterization of the material requirements of protein metabolism in terms of the chemical conditions of cells and environments may help to reveal other linkages among biochemical processes with implications for changes on evolutionary time scales.     

Biochemical synthesis of gold nanoparticles from leaf protein of Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. xanthi and their physiological,developmental, and ROS scavenging responses on tobacco plant under stress conditions

The stress conditions imposed by the impact of metal and non‐metal oxide nanoparticles over plant systems enhances the synthesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in oxidative damage at cellular level. The objective of this study was to synthesise the gold nanoparticles (GNps) from the leaves protein of Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. xanthi, its characterisation, and response on plant physiology and ROS scavenging activity on plants after exposure to different stresses. The authors have treated N. tabacum L. cv. xanthi plants with 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 ppm biochemically synthesised GNps and examined physiological as well as biochemical changes. Results showed that biochemically synthesised GNps exposure significantly increased the seed germination (P  < 0.001), root (P  < 0.001), shoot growth (P  < 0.001), and antioxidant ability (P  < 0.05) of plants depending on bioengineered GNPs concentrations. Low concentrations (200–300 ppm) of GNps boosted growth by ∼50% and significantly increase in photosynthetic parameters such as total chlorophyll content (P  < 0.05), membrane ion leakage (P  < 0.05) as well as malondialdehyde (P  < 0.05) content with respect to untreated plants under stress conditions. The high concentration (400–500 ppm) of GNps affected these parameters in a negative manner. The total antioxidant activity was also elevated in the exposed plants in a dose‐dependent manner.Inspec keywords: toxicology, nanoparticles, membranes, biotechnology, oxidation, proteins, tobacco industryOther keywords: biochemical synthesis, gold nanoparticles, leaf protein, tobacco plant, stress conditions, nonmetal oxide nanoparticles, reactive oxygen species, oxidative damage, leaves protein, plant physiology, ROS scavenging activity, xanthi plants, biochemical changes, nicotiana tabacum L. cv. xanthi     

Nonlinear dynamic and pattern bifurcations in a model for spatial patterns in young mussel beds

Young mussel beds on soft sediments can display large-scale regular spatial patterns. This phenomenon can be explained relatively simply by a reaction–diffusion–advection (RDA) model of the interaction between algae and mussel, which includes the diffusive spread of mussel and the advection of algae. We present a detailed analysis of pattern formation in this RDA model. We derived the conditions for differential-flow instability that cause the formation of spatial patterns, and then systematically investigated how these patterns depend on model parameters. We also present a detailed study of the patterned solutions in the full nonlinear model, using numerical bifurcation analysis of the ordinary differential equations, which were obtained from the RDA model. We show that spatial patterns occur for a wide range of algal concentrations, even when algal concentration is much lower than the prediction by linear analysis in the RDA model. That is to say, spatial patterns result from the interaction of nonlinear terms. Moreover, patterns with different wavelength, amplitude and movement speed may coexist. The results obtained are consistent with the previous observation that self-organization allows mussels to persist with algal concentrations that would not permit survival of mussels in a homogeneous bed.     

Synergistic effects of metals and oxidants in the curing of marine mussel adhesive

Marine mussels produce an impressive adhesive material for affixing themselves to rocks in the turbulent marine environment. This glue is generated by application of proteins to the surface followed by extensive cross-linking to yield the final matrix. Prior studies have shown that simple oxidation or reactivity brought about by metal ions may be key to this protein cross-linking process. Here we have explored protein cross-linking reactivity in which combinations of metals and oxidants may display synergistic effects with respect to adhesive curing. Extracted adhesive proteins were mixed with a series of metals, oxidants, and combinations thereof. In some cases, synergistic curing was observed. For example, we found that iron(II) ions with hydrogen peroxide brought about a greater degree of protein cross-linking than the sum of the individual components. These studies were performed as part of our efforts to provide perspectives on the connections between biology, chemistry, and functional materials.     

Boston Ivy Disk‐Inspired Pressure‐Mediated Adhesive Film Patches

Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) climbs brick walls using its tendril disks, which excrete a sticky substance to perform binding and attachment. While the cellular structures and adhesive substances involved have been identified for decades, their practical applicability as an adhesive has not yet been demonstrated. A Boston ivy disk‐inspired adhesive film patch system is reported in which structural and compositional features of the Boston ivy disk are mimicked with a form of thin adhesive film patches. In analogy to the sticky disk of a mature ivy in which porous microchannels are occupied by catechol‐containing microgranules on the bound site, 3,4‐dihydroxylphenylalanine bolaamphiphile nanoparticle (DOPA‐C7 NP)‐coated alginate microgels are two‐dimensionally positioned into the cylindrical holes that are periodically micropatterned on the flexible stencil film. Finally, it is demonstrated that the pressurization of the patch breaks the microgels filled in the holes, releasing the polysaccharides and leading to crosslinking with DOPA‐C7 NPs via ligandation with combined Ca²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions, thus enabling development of a pressure‐mediated adhesion technology.     

Comprehensive Study of the Influence of Altered Gravity on the Oxidative Burst of Mussel (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Mytilus edulis</Emphasis>) Hemocytes

Microgravity induces alterations in the functioning of immune cell; however, the underlying mechanisms have not yet been identified. In this study, hemocytes (blood cells) of the blue mussel Mytilus edulis were investigated under altered gravity conditions. The study was conducted on the ground in preparation for the BIOLAB TripleLux-B experiment, which will be performed on the International Space Station (ISS). On-line kinetic measurements of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production during the oxidative burst and thus cellular activity of isolated hemocytes were performed in a photomultiplier (PMT)-clinostat (simulated microgravity) and in the 1g operation mode of the clinostat in hypergravity on the Short-Arm Human Centrifuge (SAHC) as well as during parabolic flights. In addition to studies with isolated hemocytes, the effect of altered gravity conditions on whole animals was investigated. For this purpose, whole mussels were exposed to hypergravity (1.8 g) on a multi-sample incubator centrifuge (MuSIC) or to simulated microgravity in a submersed clinostat. After exposure for 48 h, hemocytes were taken from the mussels and ROS production was measured under 1 g conditions. The results from the parabolic flights and clinostat studies indicate that mussel hemocytes respond to altered gravity in a fast and reversible manner. Hemocytes (after cryo-conservation) exposed to simulated microgravity (μ g), as well as fresh hemocytes from clinorotated animals, showed a decrease in ROS production. Measurements during a permanent exposure of hemocytes to hypergravity (SAHC) show a decrease in ROS production. Hemocytes of mussels measured after the centrifugation of whole mussels did not show an influence to the ROS response at all. Hypergravity during parabolic flights led to a decrease but also to an increase in ROS production in isolated hemocytes, whereas the centrifugation of whole mussels did not influence the ROS response at all. This study is a good example how ground-based facility experiments can be used to prepare for an upcoming ISS experiment, in this case the TRIPLE LUX B experiment.     

Antioxidant and antibacterial activity evaluation of 3‐hydroxybenzaldehyde: the product of thymol oxidation by a new magnetic nanocatalyst

In this study maghemite nanoparticles were synthesised, they were first coated by sodium alginate and then by chitosan. Then acetanilide was introduced to maghemite nanoparticles that were coated by alginate and chitosan. Finally a silver complex was made with acetanilide and the magnetic nanocatalyst was synthesised. This nanocatalyst was used for the oxidation of thymol, then antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the oxidation product were assessed. Characterisation of this nanocatalyst was performed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and value stream mapping. Creation of the product was confirmed by FT‐IR and gas chromatography‐mass spectroscopy. According to SEM, the size of the nanocatalyst was in the range of 46–70 nm. 3‐hydroxybenzaldehyde was obtained from the oxidation of thymol. It had antioxidant property as evident from Di (phenyl) – (2, 4, 6‐trinitrophenyl) iminoazanium and the Folin–Ciocalteu method. Diffusion and dilution methods were used for the evaluation of the antibacterial activity. It was obvious from MIC that gram negative strains were more resistant than gram positive ones, and from minimum bactericidal concentration, it was obvious that Escherichia coli was the most resistant gram negative strain, and Bacillus subtilis was the most resistant gram positive strain.Inspec keywords: nanoparticles, iron compounds, magnetic particles, nanomagnetics, antibacterial activity, oxidation, organic compounds, Fourier transform infrared spectra, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, chromatography, diffusion, mass spectroscopic chemical analysis, microorganisms, catalysts, nanofabricationOther keywords: maghemite nanoparticles, sodium alginate, chitosan, acetanilide, magnetic nanocatalyst, thymol oxidation, antioxidant properties, antibacterial activity, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffractometer, scanning electron microscope, value stream mapping, FTIR, gas chromatography‐mass spectroscopy, 3‐hydroxybenzaldehyde, Folin–Ciocalteu method, diffusion, dilution, gram negative strains, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, gram positive strain, Fe₂ O₃