Cellulose, chitosan, and keratin composite materials. Controlled drug release

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Engineering

Background:

• Developing advanced composite materials with enhanced mechanical properties and controlled drug delivery capabilities is crucial for biomedical applications.
• Keratin (KER), cellulose (CEL), and chitosan (CS) are biocompatible polymers with potential for composite formation.
• Existing methods for composite fabrication often lack sustainability and controlled release functionalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a green and recyclable method for fabricating cellulose, chitosan, and keratin composites.
• To investigate the mechanical properties and drug encapsulation/release behavior of these novel composites.
• To explore the potential of these composites as high-performance wound healing materials.

Main Methods:

• Composites of cellulose (CEL), chitosan (CS), and keratin (KER) were synthesized using the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIm(+)Cl(-)]) as a solvent.
• Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to confirm the chemical integrity of the components within the composites.
• Tensile strength tests were performed to evaluate the mechanical properties.
• Drug release studies were conducted using ciprofloxacin (CPX) to assess encapsulation efficiency and release kinetics.
• The influence of component concentration on drug release rates was analyzed.

Main Results:

• The [CEL/CS+KER] composites exhibited significantly improved mechanical strength compared to KER alone.
• Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed that KER, CS, and CEL remained chemically intact in the composite structures.
• The composites successfully encapsulated and released ciprofloxacin (CPX).
• Drug release rates were faster with CEL and CS, and slower with KER, with release being concentration-dependent on KER.
• The [CEL+CS+KER] composite demonstrated a combination of superior mechanical strength, hemostasis, bactericide properties, and controlled drug release.

Conclusions:

• A green and recyclable method was established for creating CEL, CS, and KER composites with enhanced mechanical properties.
• The composite's drug release kinetics can be precisely controlled by adjusting the keratin concentration.
• The multifunctional [CEL+CS+KER] composite shows significant promise for advanced wound care applications, such as high-performance bandages for chronic wounds.