Hydrogel Films Based on Chitosan and Oxidized Carboxymethylcellulose Optimized for the Controlled Release of Curcumin with Applications in Treating Dermatological Conditions

Abstract

Cross-linked chitosan (CS) films with aldehyde groups obtained by oxidation of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) with NaIO4 were prepared using different molar ratios between the CHO groups from oxidized carboxymethyl cellulose (CMCOx) and NH2 groups from CS (from 0.25:1 to 2:1). Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy demonstrated the aldehyde groups’ presence in the CMCOx. The maximum oxidation degree was 22.9%. In the hydrogel, the amino groups’ conversion index value increased when the -CHO/-NH2 molar ratio, cross-linking temperature, and time increased, while the swelling degree values decreased. The hydrogel films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and FTIR analysis. The curcumin encapsulation efficiency decreases from 56.74% to 16.88% when the cross-linking degree increases. The immobilized curcumin release efficiency (REf%) and skin membrane permeability were evaluated in vitro in two different pH solutions using a Franz diffusion cell, and it was found to decrease when the molar ratio -CH=O/NH2 increases. The curcumin REf% in the receptor compartment was higher at pH = 7.4 (18%- for the sample with a molar ratio of 0.25:1) than at pH = 5.5 (16.5%). The curcumin absorption in the skin membrane at pH = 5.5 (47%) was more intense than at pH = 7.4 (8.6%). The curcumin-loaded films’ antioxidant activity was improved due to the CS presence.

Eco-Sustainable Silk Fibroin/Pomegranate Peel Extract Film as an Innovative Green Material for Skin Repair

“…Figure 5 shows that in buffer solution at pH 7.4, the percentage of released EPP increased progressively up to 8 h until a plateau that did not result in 60% of the total release in 48 h. A similar trend occurred in samples placed at pH 5.5, the only difference being the total amount of released EPP did not exceed 30%. These results are in line with previous studies concerning the development of polymeric films for delivery of antioxidant compounds to the skin [ 43 , 44 ] and demonstrate that the SF-EPP films we prepared are able to release suitable amounts of EPP for acceptable antioxidant activity. The in vitro release data were analyzed with various semi-empirical release kinetics (Korsmeyer–Peppas and Peppas–Sahlin) [ 45 , 46 ].…”

Healing Wounds Efficiently with Biomimetic Soft Matter: Injectable Self-Healing Neutral Glycol Chitosan/Dibenzaldehyde-Terminated Poly(ethylene glycol) Hydrogel with Inherent Antibacterial Properties

“…Moreover, chitosan-based wound-healing agents also have demonstrated their ability to suppress oxidative stress while stimulating cell proliferation . The mechanism of accelerated healing observed in GC/DP hydrogel-treated wounds can also be attributed to the various bioactivities demonstrated by Schiff bases such as antioxidant, − antimicrobial, , anti-inflammatory, − and hemostatic properties, ,, which are all essential in promoting and accelerating wound healing. As can be seen from the wound images (Figure C), the hydrogel solution provided a matrix suitable for the repair and regeneration processes as demonstrated by the inward migration and proliferation of fibroblasts.…”

Cellulose–Chitosan Functional Biocomposites

“…A unique biodegradable, super porous, swellable, and pH-sensitive nanocellulose reinforced chitosan hydrogel with dynamic mechanical properties was prepared for oral administration of curcumin suggested to improve the bioavailability of curcumin for absorption from the stomach and upper intestinal tract [ 102 ]. Further, hydrogels based on chitosan and oxidised carboxymethylcellulose, optimised for controlled release of curcumin and used in the treatment of skin diseases, were developed by Dellali et al [ 103 ], and showed a positive antioxidant, antimicrobial, and proliferation impact. Hasan et al [ 104 ] prepared a bacterial cellulose–chitosan crosslinked hydrogel and loaded it with nitric oxide in the form of polyethyleneimine diazeniumdiolate (PEI/NO) for the treatment of polymicrobial wound infections.…”