Fabrication and characterization of nanocellulose-based devices for potential biomedical applications

Author(s)

Ana Carolina de Aguiar

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: Campinas, SP.
• Institution: Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Faculdade de Engenharia Química
• Defense date: 2024-08-02

Examining board members

Liliane Maria Ferrareso Lona; Roniérik Pioli Vieira; Karine Modolon Zepon

• Advisor: Liliane Maria Ferrareso Lona; Filipe Vargas Ferreira

Abstract

The development of biomedical materials from nanocellulose has garnered interest due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and similarity to biological tissues, in addition to offering a more sustainable alternative compared to synthetic materials. In this dissertation, the overall objective was to study the fabrication of biomedical devices using nanocellulose, from both bacterial and plant sources, for potential applications in drug delivery and regenerative medicine. (i) We developed bacterial cellulose (BC) capsules loaded with curcumin (Cur) through a biofabrication process, and then these capsules were coated with the pH-sensitive polymer carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC). The encapsulation efficiency (EE) and loading capacity (LC) of Cur were 45% and 6%, respectively, for BC/Cur/CMC capsules. The coating of the capsule with the pH-sensitive polymer remained compact and stable at pH 1.2 (replicating the stomach condition), and from pH 6.8 (replicating the intestinal condition), the BC fibers were observable by SEM. In the cell viability analysis with adenocarcinoma cancer cells (HT29), the results were promising. In summary, the BC/Cur/CMC capsules showed potential for use in targeted drug delivery applications to the intestine. (ii) We fabricated a scaffold based on cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) via 3D printing using the direct ink writing technique. To compose the ink and provide functionality to the biomaterial, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles containing curcumin (PLGA-NPs) and different concentrations of gallium-doped bioactive glass (Ga-BG) were added. The rheological properties and printability of the formulated inks were studied. The results showed that the incorporation of Ga-BG increased the storage modulus of the inks. Print fidelity was better for inks containing Ga-BG, with the 6% Ga-BG composition standing out. Additionally, the study revealed that the scaffold with the addition of Ga-BG induced in vitro cell death in cancer cells, Saos-2 and MG63, suggesting a dose dependency with the MG63 cell line. The study resulted in a multifunctional CNF/Ga-BG/PLGA-NPs scaffold with suitable printability for potential tissue engineering applications (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/00980-1 - Synthesis of nanocellulose capsules for oral insulin administration
• Grantee: Ana Carolina de Aguiar
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master