Novel Pectin/Chia-Mucilage Membranes: Human Serum Albumin Adsorption, Biocompatibility, and Physical-Chemical Properties

This study aimed to characterize the physical-chemical and biological properties of pectin (PC)/chia seed mucilage (CM) membranes. PC/CM [100/0 (control), 80/20%, 60/40%, and 40/60% w/w] membranes were prepared using the casting method. The membranes (PC/CM) were thin, yellow, lightly opaque (≈10%) and capable of blocking light UVB (between 66 at 52%). SEM analysis showed the presence of aggregates in the shape of a sphere (≈13 µm) and ovoid (≈25 µm). The proportion of 80/20 showed an increase in tensile strength (29%) and elastic modulus (19%) when compared to the control. FTIR analysis exhibited intermolecular interactions between PCPC, PC-CM, and CM-CM in the membranes. The thermal analysis (600°C) showed a slight improvement in the percentage of residual mass-loss of 3.31% (80/20) that control. The 40/60 membrane showed the lowest percentage of hemolysis (2.94%) but limited human albumin adsorption capacity. These results suggested that the blend PC/CM may be considered as a biomaterial for medical applications.