ZnO nanorods functionalized with chitosan hydrogels crosslinked with azelaic acid for transdermal drug delivery

Development of Stimuli-Responsive Chitosan/ZnO NPs Transdermal Systems for Controlled Cannabidiol Delivery

“…The FT-IR analysis confirmed also immobilization of CBD inside the polymeric matrix which proves the presence of bands at 3517, 1435, and 1218 cm −1 (CS-ZnO-1); 3507, 1438, and 1215 cm −1 (CS-ZnO-2); 3515, 1435, and 1215 cm −1 (CS-ZnO-3); 3518, 1445, and 1246 cm −1 (CS-ZnO-4); 3521, 1432, and 1234 cm −1 (CS-ZnO-5); and 3492 cm −1 (CS-ZnO-6). Importantly, for all of the prepared samples, bands proving free NH 2 groups are visible, which means the preservation of intrinsic biological properties of the pristine chitosan such as adhesiveness resulted in the prolonged skin-patch contact, biocompatibility and ability to increase the cell membrane permeability [ 30 ]. The mechanism of the hydrogel production is based on the principle that chitosan has functional groups in its structure capable of covalent bonds formation.…”

“…It can be noticed that it has open-pores structure and very high surface area. The pores created interconnected channels which will enable water permeability as well as possibility of biomolecules migration [ 30 ]. Such extensive 3D network gives possibility of high amount of various solutions sorption.…”

“…The preparation of dense, three-dimensional structure enables efficient active substance incorporation followed by its controlled release in time due to the matrix degradation or diffusion effects. However, a poorly chosen crosslinking agent such as commonly used glutaraldehyde may result in side-effects [ 30 ]. Therefore, there is a strong need for more suitable chitosan-based transdermal systems development.…”

“…Therefore, there is a strong need for more suitable chitosan-based transdermal systems development. A very important feature is the maintenance of the free amino groups of chitosan deacetylated mers, which are responsible for prolonged interactions between the transdermal patch and patient’s skin surface proteins [ 30 ]. Noteworthy, there is an increasing attention considering biomaterials preparation using CS of fungal origin due to its superior physiochemical and biological properties combined with more sustained production process [ 31 , 32 ].…”

“…Noteworthy, there is an increasing attention considering biomaterials preparation using CS of fungal origin due to its superior physiochemical and biological properties combined with more sustained production process [ 31 , 32 ]. Recently, a lot of attention is focused on the hydrogel systems modification with various nanoparticles which significantly affect the drug loading and release behaviors and make them more suitable for stimuli-responsive applications [ 30 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 ].…”