Functionalized lipid nanoparticles-cellophane hybrid films for molecular delivery: preparation, physicochemical...

Lipid nanoparticles functionalized with the sunscreen 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone (FLNPs) have been prepared by the ultrasound method and embedded in highly hydrophilic cellophane supports (regenerated cellulose, RC), creating biocompatible hybrid films (RC-FLNPs samples). The morphology of the FLNPs was studied with transmission microscopy, whereas the surface and interior chemical composition was analyzed by micro-Raman spectroscopy. RC-FLNPs hybrid films were prepared from the immersion of two cellophane supports with different thicknesses and water uptake properties (RC-3 and RC-6) in an aqueous dispersion of FLNPs. The structure of this hybrid material was visualized with bright-field microscopy, which clearly showed the inclusion of the FLNPs in the cellophane matrix. The stability of the RC-FLNPs films with respect to both aqueous environments and time was demonstrated by NaCl diffusion measurements. The reduction in the diffusion coefficient through the nanoparticle-modified films compared with the original supports confirms the presence of nanoparticles for concentration gradients of up to 0.4 M (osmotic pressure around 10 bar), indicating the stability of the hybrid hydrophilic material, even in aqueous environments and under matter flow conditions for a period of 21 days.