Fabrication of controllable structure of nanocellulose composite aerogel for targeted drug delivery

Abstract

The problems of low drug loading capacity and short release time in traditional drug delivery systems would lead to repeated administration and an increase in the burden of treatment. To solve this problem, nanocellulose composite aerogels were designed and prepared as the drug carrier with an adjustable structure, good biocompatibility, high drug loading capacity, and long release time. In this study, polyethylene glycol (PEG) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) were introduced into nanocellulose through blending and physicochemical crosslinking to regulate and improve the network structure, drug loading capacity, and sustained release performance of nanocellulose composite aerogels. The pore structure and physicochemical structure of aerogel were explored to reveal the structure and effect between the structure of aerogel and drug release through advanced technologies such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), micro-CT, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and specific surface area (BET). The drug loading and release curves of aerogels were simulated to reveal the relevant mechanism through mathematical models, providing a theoretical basis for clinical application.