Effect of low molecular weight chitosan on epidermal cells from pea leaves

The effect of low molecular weight (MW) chitosans with a MW of 5, 6, 10, 25, 45 kDa and a deacetylation degree (DD) of 85–99% obtained by chemical depolymerization and enzymatic hydrolysis on the cells of the epidermis of pea leaves was analyzed. Low MW chitosans induced guard cells plasma membrane damage, which was estimated from the change in its permeability for the fluorescent dye propidium iodide, and programmed death of epidermal cells determined from destruction of cell nuclei. These effects are similar to those of commercial high MW chitosan with a MW of 290 kDa, a DD of 90%, which was manifested at higher concentrations than with low MW chitosan. The destructive effect of chitosan on the cells was predominantly DD-dependent, and it was not produced at concentrations up to 10 μg/ml inclusive. Low MW chitosan enhanced the generation of reactive oxygen species in the epidermis, which was detected by monitoring the fluorescence of 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein. The antioxidants nitroblue tetrazolium and propyl gallate inhibited, and Н₂О₂ accelerated this process.

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