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Nanocellulose/Nanoporous Silicon Composite Films as a Drug Delivery System
Karla A Garrido-Miranda1, Héctor Pesenti2, Angel Contreras3
1Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (BIOREN-UFRO), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile.
Polymers
|July 27, 2024
Summary
This study developed novel nanocellulose/nanoporous silicon microparticle composite films for drug delivery. The enhanced material improved mechanical properties and demonstrated effective controlled release of an antibacterial drug.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Nanocellulose (NC) offers excellent properties for drug delivery systems.
- Developing advanced composite materials is crucial for effective drug delivery applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create and characterize nanocellulose/nanoporous silicon microparticle (NC/nPSi) composite films for drug delivery.
- To evaluate the physicochemical, mechanical, and drug release properties of these novel composites.
Main Methods:
- NC films were prepared from Guazuma crinita and combined with nPSi using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA).
- Characterization involved UV-Vis, SEM, FTIR-ATR, XRD, and TGA.
- Mechanical testing, methylene blue (MB) drug release studies, and antibacterial assays against S. aureus and E. coli were performed.
Main Results:
- NC/nPSi composites, particularly with 1% nPSi, showed improved thermal stability and significantly enhanced mechanical properties (70% increase in elastic modulus, 372% increase in elongation).
- Effective controlled release of MB was observed, with diffusion coefficients inversely proportional to nPSi concentration.
- The released MB demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against both S. aureus and E. coli.
Conclusions:
- The developed NC/nPSi composite films are promising for controlled drug delivery applications.
- The material's tunable properties and antibacterial efficacy highlight its potential in advanced therapeutic systems.
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