Insulin-Loaded Chitosan-Cellulose-Derivative Hydrogels: In Vitro Permeation of Hormone through Strat-M^® Membrane and...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dermatology
• Pharmaceutics

Background:

• Topical insulin application accelerates wound healing by enhancing keratinocyte function and collagen production.
• Developing effective topical insulin delivery systems is crucial for wound care.
• Cellulose derivatives and chitosan are promising biomaterials for drug delivery applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and characterize an insulin-loaded hydrogel matrix using cellulose derivatives and chitosan.
• To evaluate the rheological and textural properties of the developed hydrogel formulations.
• To assess the in vitro insulin release profile and skin barrier penetration.

Main Methods:

• Formulation of hydrogels using methylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, and chitosan.
• Rheological analysis via rotational rheometry and oscillation tests.
• Textural analysis and in vitro drug release studies using Strat-M® membrane.

Main Results:

• The insulin hydrogel based on chitosan and methylcellulose demonstrated optimal rheological and textural properties.
• This formulation exhibited sustained insulin release, indicating potential for reduced application frequency.
• The hydrogel showed good potential for mimicking skin barrier properties in vitro.

Conclusions:

• A chitosan-methylcellulose hydrogel effectively encapsulates insulin for topical wound healing applications.
• The developed hydrogel offers sustained drug release, improving patient compliance and therapeutic efficacy.
• This formulation presents a promising candidate for clinical use in wound management.