Natural Emulgel from Dialdehyde Cellulose for Lipophilic Drug Delivery

Abstract

In this study, we develop a cellulosic emulgel based on dialdehyde cellulose (DAC) cross-linked with chitosan using an embedded emulsion for the delivery of lipophilic compounds. First, a surfactant-free oil-in-water emulsion was prepared by ultrasonication, using DAC as an interfacial stabilizer. Then, by adding chitosan to the emulsion, the aldehyde groups of DAC chemically reacted with the amine groups of chitosan via a Schiff base reaction to form a cross-linked emulgel, which was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The developed emulgel with a larger surface area (∼81 m² g–¹) swells more slowly compared to its hydrogel homologue (∼5 m² g–¹). Scanning electron microscopy imaging along with Barrett, Joyner and Halenda method results indicated the formation of a homogenized structural matrix of micro- and nanosized pores. β-Carotene was loaded in the oil phase, and its release was measured using a static orogastrointestinal method. It was shown that after safely passing the oral processing, only ∼20% of β-carotene is released in the stomach, while a gradual increase in β-carotene release, up to 50%, is observed during a 4-h stay in the intestines. This emulgel, rationally processed via safe and green strategies, is a promising candidate for the delivery of lipophilic compounds, specifically for the purpose of oral administration.