Chitin Nanofibril-Nanolignin Complexes as Carriers of Functional Molecules for Skin Contact Applications

Abstract

Chitin nanofibrils (CN) and nanolignin (NL) were used to embed active molecules, such as vitamin E, sodium ascorbyl phosphate, lutein, nicotinamide and glycyrrhetinic acid (derived from licorice), in the design of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant nanostructured chitin nanofibrils–nanolignin (CN-NL) complexes for skin contact products, thus forming CN-NL/M complexes, where M indicates the embedded functional molecule. Nano-silver was also embedded in CN-NL complexes or on chitin nanofibrils to exploit its well-known antimicrobial activity. A powdery product suitable for application was finally obtained by spray-drying the complexes co-formulated with poly(ethylene glycol). The structure and morphology of the complexes was studied using infrared spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy, while their thermal stability was investigated via thermo-gravimetry. The latter provided criteria for evaluating the suitability of the obtained complexes for subsequent demanding industrial processing, such as, for instance, incorporation into bio-based thermoplastic polymers through conventional melt extrusion. In vitro tests were carried out at different concentrations to assess skin compatibility. The obtained results provided a physical–chemical, morphological and cytocompatibility knowledge platform for the correct selection and further development of such nanomaterials, allowing them to be applied in different products. In particular, chitin nanofibrils and the CN-NL complex containing glycyrrhetinic acid can combine excellent thermal stability and skin compatibility to provide a nanostructured system potentially suitable for industrial applications.

Nanotheranostics to target antibiotic-resistant bacteria: Strategies and applications

“…The spray-drying technique is one of the typical processes for producing chitin nanofibril (CN) with an average length of 250 nm. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, X-diffraction spectrometry, and electron microscopy (for example, TEM, SEM) are commonly used to evaluate the synthesis of the CN qualitatively [152].…”

The role of nanochitin in biologically-active matrices for tissue engineering-where do we stand?

“…[71][72][73][74] On the other hand, CHNCs can improve the antibacterial activity of enzymes like lysozyme by acting as immobilization platforms, 75 and the antioxidant activity of immobilized phlorotannins. 76 Also, nanocomposites films based on chitosan, 77 carrageenan, 78 carboxymethyl cellulose, 79 methylcellulose, 80 cellulose nanofibers, 39,81 pectin, 82 nanolignin, 83 polyl-actic acid, 38,84 highly porous and spongy monolith cryogel of polyvinyl alcohol 85 and molybdenum disulfide quantum dots, 86 have been developed. Regarding antifungal activity, films have been developed using CHNFs alone, 87 in combination with chitosan 88 or by incubation in sodium hypochlorite solution.…”

Solid-State Utilization of Chitin to Construct Flexible Films with Enhanced Biocompatibility and Mechanical Performance

“…Biomass materials, consisting of cellulose, lignin, and chitin, are considered valuable resources worth vigorously developing owing to their renewability, biodegradability, and abundance. − As the largest nitrogen-containing organic compound on earth, chitin is mainly derived from the shells of crustaceans, which exhibits broad application prospects in industry, medicine, clothing, and other fields. Especially in the field of soft tissue engineering, chitin in chitin-based materials can significantly accelerate macrophage migration and fibroblast proliferation and promote granulation and vascularization. − Besides, chitin can also be used as cell carriers or sustained-release carriers through self-assembly or embedding active molecules. , …”

“…4−6 Besides, chitin can also be used as cell carriers or sustained-release carriers through self-assembly or embedding active molecules. 7,8 In recent years, attention has been raised to the high-value utilization of chitin-based materials, especially in the situation of increasing waste after consuming crustacean food. 9−11 Since the approach of preparing chitin from crustacean shell is already mature, it is sophisticated to directly utilize the chitin attributed to its special molecular structure, rich in intra/ intermolecular hydrogen bonds.…”