Engineering and Evaluation of Forcespun Gelatin Nanofibers as an Isorhamnetin Glycosides Delivery System

Abstract

Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill (OFI) is considered a natural source of bioactive phytochemicals, mainly isorhamnetin glycosides (IRGs). These compounds have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities, among others. The development of a suitable delivery system for these compounds is needed to improve their chemical and biological stability. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of fabrication and characterization of IRG-loaded gelatin (GL) forcespun fibers and crosslinking with glutaraldehyde (GTA). Two different percentages (25% and 30% w/v) of GL were evaluated with 12% (w/v) OFI flour to obtain nanofibers GL/OFI1 and GL/OFI2, respectively. The morphology and physicochemical properties of the fibers were investigated. The results indicated that the diameters of the fibers were on the nanoscale. The amount of IRGs was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The IRGs release and the cytocompatibility of the nanofibers were also evaluated. GL concentration significantly affected the IRG release. Among both nanofibers, the GL/OFI2 nanofiber achieved a cumulative IRGs release of 63% after 72 h. Both fibers were shown to be biocompatible with human skin/fibroblast cells. Specifically, GL/OFI1 nanofibers exhibited favorable features for their application as an extract-coupled release system. The IRGs-embedded GL nanofiber mats may become a good alternative for the delivery of phytochemicals for the health sector and biomedical applications.

The development of nanocarriers for natural products

“…The structures of polyphenolic compounds contain several active catechol groups [notably, two hydroxyl groups (OH) immediately adjacent to the benzene ring], which can form covalent bonds with functional groups on nanocarriers or polymers through processes, such as esterification or etherification (García‐Valderrama et al, 2022; Pérez‐Silva et al, 2023). Additionally, the aromatic ring structure of these compounds offers spatial steric effects, enabling delayed or controlled release of drugs (Kong et al, 2018).…”

Overview of Tissue Engineering and Drug Delivery Applications of Reactive Electrospinning and Crosslinking Techniques of Polymeric Nanofibers with Highlights on Their Biocompatibility Testing and Regulatory Aspects

“…In the research, a novel bioinspired GL-based drug delivery system is demonstrated. It may be used to deliver controlled amounts of phytochemical medications for tissue regeneration and the treatment of wounds [ 156 ].…”

Recent Advances in Designing Fibrous Biomaterials for the Domain of Biomedical, Clinical, and Environmental Applications

“…FS boasts high fiber fabrication rates and the ability to process a large range of materials such as polymers, carbon, ceramics, etc. FS compiled a lot of attention in recent years, in drug delivery and energy. − For instance, polycaprolactone/mercaptophenyl methacrylate functionalized carbon nano-onions (PCL/f-CNOs) nanofibers were primed by using FS for controlled anticancer drug release. Doxorubicin (DOX) is well-known anticancer drug with the ability to kill cancer cells via the inhibition of RNA and DNA biosynthesis.…”