Textiles with gallic acid microspheres: in vitro release characteristics

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Dermatology
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Antioxidants like gallic acid (GA) are beneficial for skin health.
• Encapsulating GA in poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) microspheres can improve its stability and delivery.
• Biofunctional textiles offer a novel platform for topical delivery of active compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the skin penetration of GA encapsulated in PCL microspheres applied to textile fabrics.
• To compare the percutaneous absorption of GA from PCL microspheres on different fabric types (polyamide vs. cotton).
• To investigate the potential of biofunctional textiles as a drug delivery system for GA.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of GA-loaded PCL microspheres using particle size distribution and FTIR.
• Quantification of GA-loaded microspheres on textile fabrics.
• In vitro percutaneous absorption studies using a specific methodology.
• Comparison of GA skin penetration from textiles versus direct application.

Main Results:

• Polyamide fabrics showed higher absorption and desorption of GA-loaded microspheres compared to cotton fabrics.
• Direct application of GA-loaded PCL microspheres to the skin resulted in higher percutaneous absorption than when embedded in biofunctional textiles.
• GA release from PCL microspheres on textiles demonstrated a potential reservoir effect.

Conclusions:

• Biofunctional textiles can be utilized as a drug delivery system for antioxidants like GA.
• The choice of fabric material influences the interaction with drug-loaded microspheres.
• Utilizing biofunctional textiles may promote a sustained release reservoir effect for enhanced skin penetration of GA.