UMET - Polymer systems engineering - Micro and nanoparticular systems for the sustained delivery of active molecules

Micro and nanoparticular systems for the sustained delivery of active molecules

This activity consists of developing micro and nano capsules that could be fixed onto textile or medical devices for the sustained release of active molecules (cosmetics, drugs...). In order to improve the sorption capacity and the control of the release, cyclodextrins are incorporated into the capsules in order to encapsulate the substrates at the molecular scale. The polymer coating of the capsules is based on chitosan, a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer issued from crustaceans. Cyclodextrins are issued from starch degradation and their cyclic shape allows them to trap various organic substances by forming host-guest supramolecular compounds. Finally, the release of the substance by our systems is based on the reversibility of the inclusion complex combined with its diffusion through the capsule membrane. The systems are obtained in water by coacervation through a green process.