Design and Engineering of Natural Cellulose Fiber-Based Biomaterials with Eucalyptus Essential Oil Retention to Replace Non-Biodegradable Delivery Systems

Abstract

This work aims at the design and engineering of sustainable biomaterials based on natural fibers to replace non-renewable fiber sources in the development of non-woven delivery systems. Cellulose fibers were used as the main support to produce multi-structured materials with the incorporation of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) as an additive. A 3D carboxymethylcellulose matrix retaining a natural bioactive product, eucalyptus essential oil, (CMC/EO), with controlled release functionalities, was also applied to these materials using bulk and spray coating methodologies. Additionally, using a 3D modeling and simulation strategy, different interest scenarios were predicted to design new formulations with improved functional properties. Overall, the results showed that MFC provided up to 5% improved strength (+48%) at the expense of reduced softness (−10%) and absorbency (−13%) and presented a good potential to be used as an additive to maximize natural eucalyptus fibers content in formulations. The addition of CMC/EO into formulations’ bulk revealed better strength properties (21–28%), while its surface coating improved absorption (23–25%). This indicated that both application methods can be used in structures proposed for different sustained applications or a more localized therapy, respectively. This optimization methodology consists of a competitive benefit to produce high-quality functionalized biomaterials for added-value applications.

Wound Healing Properties of Natural Products: Mechanisms of Action

“…Therefore, these metabolites must be added during non-thermal operations that allow their easy incorporation and stability. Likewise, they use inert excipients that do not interact with the product; the packaging must protect against UV light, humidity, and foreign matter for the compounds to reach the end user in the ideal concentration [ 126 , 127 ].…”

3D simulation of nano/micro cellulose delivery systems for dermic and respiratory applications: Case study of eucalyptus essential oil incorporation

“…These biopolymers have been used to design and develop different drug delivery systems for promising applications, as they can reduce the immunological reactions and the toxicity that occurs when synthetic polymers are used [7,8]. These complex structured materials can be produced by a 3D cellulose fiber-based network and eucalyptus essential oil molecules, retained in the structure [4]. Additionally, this 3D network material with several levels of structure organization can be incorporated into a crosslinking agent, the alginate, to increase the system stability.…”

“…However, the presence of volatile compounds is a limitation since natural products are released quickly at undesirable temperatures before the therapeutic effect. For this reason, drug delivery systems (DDS) encapsulating eucalyptus essential oil could be an innovative approach to fight against dermic and respiratory infections [3][4][5].…”

“…Essential oils are also examples of natural products, less toxic and less allergenic, which have protective properties and well‐designed care, increasing skin penetration [2, 3]. Eucalyptus essential oil can be highlighted due to its antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and decongestant properties, among others [4]. However, the presence of volatile compounds is a limitation since natural products are released quickly at undesirable temperatures before the therapeutic effect.…”