POLYSACCHARIDE-BASED MATRIX DOPED WITH PLANT EXTRACT FOR MEDICAL AND COSMETIC APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Herein, we present a new biomaterial based on xanthan, chitosan and lignin, which served as a matrix for the incorporation of flavonoids extracted from Agropyron repens L. rhizomes. The simultaneous presence of lignin and xanthan esterified with acrylic acid leads to better retention of the active principles in the polymer matrix, which is reflected in their slow release into the environment. A more compact structure resulting from the incorporation of lignin into the chitosan/xanthan matrix contributed to a three times higher value of diametral tensile strength. The release kinetics of flavonoids through the matrix components was described by the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, indicating Fickian diffusion. The presence of bioactive principles extracted from Agropyron repens L. (couch grass) imparts an antioxidant capacity to biomaterials, on average 30% higher compared to that of the base matrix. Considering the mucoadhesiveness, bioadhesiveness, release kinetics and antioxidant capacity of all the formulations developed in this study, it can be concluded that they have potential for health and cosmetic applications.