Dextran-Based Nanoparticles to Formulate pH-Responsive Pickering Emulsions: A Fully Degradable Vector at a Day Scale.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Stimuli-responsive Pickering emulsions often prioritize recyclability over rapid biodegradability, limiting their use in sensitive applications like drug delivery.
• Existing biosourced stabilizers lack the fast degradation profiles necessary for biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To formulate novel biodegradable and pH-sensitive Pickering emulsions using dextran as a primary material.
• To engineer a stimuli-responsive system suitable for drug delivery applications with enhanced safety and environmental profiles.

Main Methods:

• Dextran was modified with hydrophobic acetal groups to create pH-sensitive acetalated dextran.
• Acetalated dextran nanoparticles were synthesized via nanoprecipitation.
• Oil-in-water (O/W) Pickering emulsions were stabilized using these nanoparticles with dodecane and medium-chain triglyceride as oils.

Main Results:

• Acetalated dextran nanoparticles demonstrated complete hydrolysis under acidic conditions within 6 hours.
• The developed Pickering emulsions exhibited pH-induced destabilization and nanoparticle degradation in under 24 hours.
• The process confirmed no nanoparticle accumulation or release of harmful byproducts, indicating a safe and eco-friendly system.

Conclusions:

• Acetalated dextran serves as an effective, biodegradable stabilizer for pH-sensitive Pickering emulsions.
• These novel emulsions are suitable for drug delivery due to their rapid degradation and biocompatibility.
• The developed system presents a safe and environmentally friendly alternative for stimuli-responsive delivery vectors.