Investigate the biophysical-biochemical properties of (Chitosan - polyacrylic acid) nanogel loaded berberine for use in biomedical application

Meligy, Mohamed I; Abdelgawad, Mahmoud H.; Nasef, Shaimaa M; Elbahnasawy, Hany H.

doi:10.21608/ejbbe.2025.370164.1083

Investigate the biophysical-biochemical properties of (Chitosan - polyacrylic acid) nanogel loaded berberine for use in biomedical application

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, 11884, Cairo, Egypt

² Polymer Chemistry Dep., National Center for Radiation Research and Technology, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, P.O. Box 29, Cairo, Egypt 29, Cairo, Egypt

10.21608/ejbbe.2025.370164.1083

Abstract

This study explores the possibility of using a chitosan/poly(acrylic acid) (Cs/PAA) nanogel loaded with berberine to improve bioavailability and anti-inflammatory qualities, which would aid in the healing of wounds. The effectiveness of traditional treatments, like antimicrobial creams, is often limited by inconsistent dosing. Skin wounds provide an ideal environment for the growth of microorganisms due to their moist and nutrient-rich nature, which can hinder the body's natural healing process. Using gamma radiation, acrylic acid was polymerized in an aqueous chitosan solution to create the nanogel. The resultant nanogels were characterized using sophisticated techniques like Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for morphological analysis, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) for particle size distribution, Zeta potential for surface charge determination, and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) for thermal stability evaluation. Furthermore, fibroblast cell lines were used to evaluate the wound-healing capacity. The results indicated that the berberine-loaded Cs/PAA nanogel exhibited significantly greater bioavailability, antibacterial activity, and apoptotic effects when compared to the berberine-free Cs/PAA nanogel. These results indicate that the berberine-loaded Cs/PAA nanogel is a novel and promising therapeutic approach for the effective treatment of skin wounds because it provide enhanced therapeutic effects through optimal drug transport and biological activity.

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