Developing Innovative Physical Barriers with Chitosan and Molle Essential Oil Using the Airbrushing Technique

• Grant number: 23/13196-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): January 01, 2024
• Effective date (End): December 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Viktor Oswaldo Cardenas Concha
• Grantee: Isabela Gabrielli Coelho da Cruz
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas (ICAQF). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Diadema. Diadema , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In response to the growing demand for natural and sustainable products, the pharmaceutical, health, and aesthetic industries have intensified their investments in natural materials, such as biopolymers. Traditionally, biopolymer films incorporating bioactive compounds are produced by the casting method, which requires a long drying period. To overcome this challenge, alternative production techniques are being explored. One of them is airbrushing, a sustainable and environmentally friendly technique that sprays polymeric solutions into thin streams to form fibers by evaporating the solvent. This technique allows precise control of film thickness and uniformity, improving properties such as breathability and moisture absorption. Among biopolymers, chitosan stands out for its antibacterial properties, biodegradability, low toxicity, and biological compatibility. When bioactive substances are incorporated into chitosan membranes, the properties of the final material can be further enhanced. In this context, this project proposes the incorporation of Molle essential oil (Schinus molle) into chitosan for the production of biopolymeric membranes (physical barriers) using the airbrushing technique. This is because Molle oil, originating from the Amazon region, has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, healing, antiseptic, antifungal, and antioxidant properties that can intensify the activity of the physical barrier to be produced. The material to be developed should be evaluated under different operating conditions, such as the chitosan-solvent ratio, air pressure in the airbrush, and distance between the airbrush and collecting surface. The resulting films will be characterized in relation to mechanical properties, cytotoxicity, controlled release, antioxidant capacity, thickness, water absorption capacity, water vapor permeability, infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The aim of this project is to contribute to the development of natural and sustainable products with diversified applications.