Chitosan/Virgin-Coconut-Oil-Based System Enriched with Cubosomes: A 3D Drug-Delivery Approach

Author(s)

Silva, Simone S. ; Rodrigues, Luisa C. ; Fernandes, Emanuel M. ; da Costa, Diana Soares ; Villalva, Denise G. ; Loh, Watson ; Reis, Rui L.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: MARINE DRUGS; v. 21, n. 7, p. 15-pg., 2023-07-01.

Abstract

Emulsion-based systems that combine natural polymers with vegetable oils have been identified as a promising research avenue for developing structures with potential for biomedical applications. Herein, chitosan (CHT), a natural polymer, and virgin coconut oil (VCO), a resource obtained from coconut kernels, were combined to create an emulsion system. Phytantriol-based cubosomes encapsulating sodium diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory drug, were further dispersed into CHT/VCO- based emulsion. Then, the emulsions were frozen and freeze-dried to produce scaffolds. The scaffolds had a porous structure ranging from 20.4 to 73.4 & mu;m, a high swelling ability (up to 900%) in PBS, and adequate stiffness, notably in the presence of cubosomes. Moreover, a well-sustained release of the entrapped diclofenac in the cubosomes into the CHT/VCO-based system, with an accumulated release of 45 & PLUSMN; 2%, was confirmed in PBS, compared to free diclofenac dispersed (80 & PLUSMN; 4%) into CHT/VCO-based structures. Overall, the present approach opens up new avenues for designing porous biomaterials for drug delivery through a sustainable pathway. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 19/12665-3 - Engineered biomaterials based on coconut oil and natural polymers: new ways to develop added-value biomedical products
• Grantee: Denise Gradella Villalva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 21/12071-6 - Tailoring colloids through supramolecular interactions: from fundamentals to applications
• Grantee: Watson Loh
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 15/25406-5 - Organizing matter: colloids formed by association of surfactants, polymers and nanoparticles
• Grantee: Watson Loh
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/08045-7 - Engineered biomaterials based on coconut oil and natural polymers: new ways to develop added-value biomedical products
• Grantee: Watson Loh
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants