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Composite nanocellulose‐based hydrogels with spatially oriented degradation and retarded release of macromolecules
Author(s) -
Maestri Cecilia Ada,
Motta Antonella,
Moschini Lorenzo,
BernkopSchnürch Andreas,
Baus Randi Angela,
Lecca Paola,
Scarpa Marina
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of biomedical materials research part a
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.849
H-Index - 150
eISSN - 1552-4965
pISSN - 1549-3296
DOI - 10.1002/jbm.a.36922
Subject(s) - materials science , composite number , composite material , nanocellulose , fabrication , scaffold , self healing hydrogels , cellulose , molding (decorative) , nanofiber , compression molding , chemical engineering , biomedical engineering , polymer chemistry , mold , medicine , alternative medicine , pathology , engineering
The oral delivery of macromolecular therapeutics to the intestinal tract requires novel, robust, and controlled formulations. Here, we report on fabrication by molding of composite hydrogel cylinders made of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and chitosan (Cht) and their performance as delivery vehicles. CNCs provide excellent mechanical and chemical stress resistance, whereas Cht allows scaffold degradation by enzyme digestion. The release of a representative medium size protein (bovine serum albumin) dispersed in the hydrogel is slow and shows a sigmoidal profile; meanwhile, the hydrogel scaffold degrades according to a preferred route, that is the cylinder is eroded along the vertical axis. The cup‐like, scarcely interconnected porous network, with a gradient of hardness along the cylinder axis, and the compact skin‐like layer covering the lateral wall which stayed in contact with the mold during gelification, explain the preferred erosion direction and the long‐term protein release. The possible effect of the molding process on hydrogel structure suggests that molding could be a simple and cheap way to favor surface compaction and directional scaffold degradation.