Resistant starch/pectin free-standing films reinforced with nanocellulose intended for colonic methotrexate release

• Published in: Carbohydrate polymers Vol. 157; pp. 1013 - 1023
• Main Authors: Meneguin, Andréia B., Ferreira Cury, Beatriz Stringhetti, dos Santos, Aline M., Franco, Douglas Faza, Barud, Hernane S., da Silva Filho, Edson C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 10.02.2017
• Subjects: Animals; Cellulose nanofiber; Drug Carriers - chemistry; Drug Liberation; Free-standing films; Intestinal Mucosa - drug effects; Methotrexate; Methotrexate - administration & dosage; Nanocellulose; Nanocomposites; Pectin; Pectins - chemistry; Permeability; Resistant starch; Solubility; Starch - chemistry; Swine; Nanocellulose; Resistant starch; Pectin; Methotrexate; Cellulose nanofiber; Free-standing films
• ISSN: 0144-8617; 1879-1344
• DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2016.10.062

•Cellulose nanofibers were obtained from different sources and mechanical treatments.•Resistant starch/pectin free-standing films reinforced with nanofibers were developed.•Nanofibers addition improved mechanical, barrier, mucoadhesive and release properties.•Nanocomposite films are promising as a poor solubility drugs carrier. Although resistant starch/pectin (RS/P) films have previously displayed suitable properties for colon-specific drug delivery, nanocomposite films were developed aiming to enhance physicochemical, thermal, mechanical and barrier properties, as well as the low oral bioavailability of methotrexate (MTX). FEG-SEM micrographs of nanocomposite films showed different interaction patterns occurring among nanocellulose and RS/P. The nanofiller addition led to an increase in the thermal stability, probably due to its interaction with RS crystalline double helices. Results also displayed an improvement of the puncture strength, while barrier properties revealed a low water vapor permeability. Ex vivo bioadhesion test displayed the nanocomposites films to interact strongly with porcine gastrointestinal mucosa. In vitro drug release studies showed that the films developed enhanced the drug dissolution rates with approximately 80% of MTX release in 150min, suggesting the potential of these materials as a poor solubility drugs carrier, which constitutes an important tool for enhancing oral bioavailability.