Lemon gum (LG) obtained from Citrus × latifolia in Brazil.

LG is a arabinogalactan with more selective cytotoxicity for PC3 cells.

LG is non-toxic in Galleria mellonella and in Swiss mice.

LG is a promising polymer for biomedical and biotechnological applications.

Lemon gum (LG) obtained from Citrus × latifolia in Brazil was isolated and characterized. In addition, gum biocompatibility was evaluated in vitro and in vivo by Galleria mellonella and mice model. The cytotoxicity against tumor cells was also evaluated. The ratio of arabinose:galactose: rhamnose:4-OMe-glucuronic acid was 1:0.65:0.06:0.15. Small traces of protein were detected, emphasizing the isolate purity. Molar mass was 8.08 × 105 g/mol, with three different degradation events. LG showed antiproliferative activity against human prostate adenocarcinoma cancer cells, with percentage superior to 50 %. In vivo toxicity models demonstrated that LG is biocompatible polymer, with little difference in the parameters compared to control group. These results demonstrate advance in the study of LG composition and toxicity, indicating a potential for several biomedical and biotechnological future applications.

Biopolymer

Chemical characterization

Biocompatibility

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