The role of cellulose nanocrystals in biocompatible starch-based clicked nanocomposite hydrogels

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules 2020-01, Vol.143, p.265-272
• Main Authors: González, Kizkitza, Guaresti, Olatz, Palomares, Teodoro, Alonso-Varona, Ana, Eceiza, Arantxa, Gabilondo, Nagore
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cellulose nanocrystals; Diels-Alder; Starch-based hydrogel
• ISSN: 0141-8130; 1879-0003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.12.050

Starch-based nanocomposite hydrogels were successfully prepared by the Diels-Alder click cross-linking reaction between furan-functionalized starch derivative and a water-soluble tetrafunctional maleimide compound, adding cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) as nanoreinforcement. The effect of increasing the CNC content on rheological and swelling properties as well as on the morphology of the hydrogels was analyzed. Besides, in order to evaluate the applicability of the as-prepared hydrogels as delivery systems, drug release measurements and in vitro cytotoxicity assays were also performed. It was found that the prepared nanocomposite hydrogels presented higher stiffness as the CNC content increased. The incorporation of the nanocrystals modified the internal porous microstructure of the hydrogels, affecting consequently both the swelling capacity and the drug-delivery kinetics. Moreover, the prepared nanocomposite hydrogels showed non-toxic behavior, demonstrating their potential applicability in the biomedical field, especially as sustained drug delivery systems. [Display omitted] •Starch-based hydrogels were prepared by aqueous DA click reaction.•Non-toxic hydrogels were obtained reinforced with CNC.•The rheology and microstructure were influenced by the CNC content.•Nanocomposites showed different swelling capacity and drug-delivery kinetics.•Biocompatible hydrogels were obtained suitable for biomedicine applications.