Drug release from nanocellulose-based systems modified by layer-by-layer assembled polyelectrolyte multilayers

• Grant number: 19/02570-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): March 01, 2019
• Effective date (End): January 31, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Physical-Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Watson Loh
• Grantee: Daiane Batista da Silva
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 15/25406-5 - Organizing matter: colloids formed by association of surfactants, polymers and nanoparticles, AP.TEM

Abstract

The use of cellulose-based materials has been arousing great interest from both academia and industries as a result of the merged aspects related to sustainability, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and multifunctionality. Because of the promising combination among the outstanding potential for functionalization that is inherent to cellulose and the high specific surface area that is typical of nano-sized materials, the scientific and technological exploitation of nanocellulose has increased. The areas that stand out as candidates for the value-added application of such materials include cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and health. In this context, the herein proposed research aims to develop all-nanocellulose systems for carrying and delivering drugs, as well as to control the release kinetics through the layer-by-layer adsorption of chitosan (polycation) and sodium alginate (polyanion) bilayers. To boost the polyelectrolyte adsorption capacity of nanocellulose, the latter will be previously electrically charged via surface modification involving cationization and/or oxidation. Finally, the developed systems will be comprehensively characterized as to their morphologies and structures by microscopic and spectroscopic techniques, focusing on the determination of adsorbed polyelectrolyte content as well as drug release kinetics towards a simulant medium of physiological conditions. Ophthalmic uses as therapeutic contact lenses are envisaged as potential applications of such materials, which will be evaluated in this research.