Green Electrospinning of Chitosan/Pectin Nanofibrous Films by the Incorporation of Cyclodextrin/Curcumin Inclusion Complexes: pH-Responsive Release and Hydrogel Features

Abstract

Chitosan and pectin are abundantly found biopolymers in nature that are derived from renewable resources. On the other hand, the chemical structure of these biopolymers creates problems during the production of their nanofibrous films by the electrospinning technique. In this study, the electrospinning of the chitosan/pectin blend system was facilitated using natural, starch-derived cyclodextrin (hydroxypropyl-γ-cyclodextrin (HPγCD)) molecules and nanofibrous films were generated with a green approach in which there was no use of a carrier polymer or toxic solvent. The nanofibrous films obtained with different chitosan/pectin ratios showed high swelling (water uptake) property (∼1340 to 1510%), which suggested the hydrogel-forming capacity of these electrospun films. Here, the HPγCD molecules were further utilized and curcumin, a well-known bioactive compound, was encapsulated into HPγCD cavities by inclusion complexation. This time, HPγCD–curcumin inclusion complexes (ICs) were mixed with chitosan/pectin blends using the predetermined ratios, and freestanding nanofibrous films were successfully produced having an ∼89% curcumin loading efficiency. The ultimate nanofibrous films demonstrated a pH-responsive release profile of curcumin in pH 5.4 and 7.4 media besides their high swelling feature. Briefly, chitosan/pectin/CD-IC nanofibrous films can be a promising alternative to biomaterials produced with synthetic sources by holding the unique properties of biopolymers, CD, and nanofibers.

Responsive hydrogel microfibers for biomedical engineering

“…CS/pectin/hydroxypropyl-γ-cyclodextrin (HPγCD)/Cur fibers achieved up to 89% Cur loading efficiency. 97 In addition to high swelling properties, the prepared fibers also showed pH-responsive release capacity of Cur in media of pH 5.4 and 7.4. Besides, novel enzyme-and relative humidity (RH)-responsive antibacterial fibers were developed.…”

A Review: Current Status and Emerging Developments on Natural Polymer‐Based Electrospun Fibers

“…In addition, for some drug factors that are difficult to be directly added to the spinning solution, Celebioglu and others used cyclodextrin as a carrier to wrap curcumin and added it to the pectin and chitosan solution, so as to achieve better drug release effect. [ 153 ]…”

Electro Fluid Dynamics: A Route to Design Polymers and Composites for Biomedical and Bio-Sustainable Applications

“…Accordingly, using green solvents with slow volatility may contribute to forming a fibrous network with a minimal effect on health and the environment. Recently, several studies have focused on using aqueous polymer solutions for electrospinning applications [ 56 , 57 , 58 ]. Alternatively, biologically benign solvents, such as formic acid or acetic acid, can be used alone or in combination as green solvent candidates.…”

“…This approach is promising for processing eco-friendly sources, thus concurring to limit the destructive impact of petroleum-based products and relevant benefits in terms of environmental protection. For this purpose, the electrospinning technique is an optimal way to process biopolymers from natural sources such as chitin, chitosan, and pectin—to functional nanofibrous membranes [ 58 ]. For instance, in one study, a bio-based blend was successfully electrospun by combining small amounts of PEO with chitin propionate and green solvents, ethanol, and water [ 60 ].…”