The use of nanocrystalline cellulose for the binding and controlled release of drugs

Abstract

The objective of this work was to investigate the use of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) as a drug delivery excipient. NCC crystallites, prepared by an acid hydrolysis method, were shown to have nanoscopic dimensions and exhibit a high degree of crystallinity. These crystallites bound significant quantities of the water soluble, ionizable drugs tetratcycline and doxorubicin, which were released rapidly over a 1-day period. Cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was bound to the surface of NCC and increased the zeta potential in a concentration-dependent manner from −55 to 0 mV. NCC crystallites with CTAB-modified surfaces bound significant quantities of the hydrophobic anticancer drugs docetaxel, paclitaxel, and etoposide. These drugs were released in a controlled manner over a 2-day period. The NCC-CTAB complexes were found to bind to KU-7 cells, and evidence of cellular uptake was observed.

Nanocellulose as a natural source for groundbreaking applications in materials science: Today’s state

“…High-speed loading techniques accomplishing drug incorporation within about 15 min (soaking, vortexing) were preferred for drugs with low stabilities compared to adsorption techniques that take 24-48 h as well as for industrial time-effective settings. Drug entrapping strategies for CNFs or CNCs are, for example, performed by spraying [415], crosslinking [419,430], concurrent drying [414], or electrostatic interactions with or without previous surface modification [431][432][433]. Typical drug release profiles of BNC, CNFs, or CNCs are characterized by a biphasic trend with a fast initial burst release in the first few hours (0.5-10 h) followed by a slower release phase up to 72 h (Fig.…”

Evaluation of Acetaminophen Release from Biodegradable Poly (Vinyl Alcohol) (PVA) and Nanocellulose Films Using a Multiphase Release Mechanism

“…Nanocellulose as a drug delivery platform has been used in the form of hydrogels, where NFCs and CNCs can be formulated as suspensions, particles, gels, or composite biopolymer delivery systems [4,6,14,16,17]. Drug entrapment using NFCs or CNCs commonly involves crosslinking and/or surface modifications [4][5][6][16][17][18]. Drug-loaded matrices include cellulose as suitable tablets for oral administration.…”

Production, Processes and Modification of Nanocrystalline Cellulose from Agro-Waste: A Review

“…These uses have been reported extensively as summarized in Table 4. NCC can be used as a drug delivery excipient; Burt et al [100] investigated the capability of pure NCC to bind watersoluble antibiotics (tetracycline and doxorubicin) and the potential of cationic NCC to bind non-ionized hydrophobic anticancer agents (docetaxel, paclitaxel, and etoposide). Moreover, besides direct use as drug delivery excipient, NCC can also be used as co-stabilizer to improve the physicochemical and flow properties of polymeric excipients.…”