Polymeric nanocomposite films are used as promising transdermal drug carriers because of the improved patient compliance, easy application on skin, and noninvasiveness. A thermoresponsive polymeric composite film has been developed here through the deposition of carbon quantum dots (CQDs) on functionalized β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). The composite has been developed by grafting of poly(N-vinyl caprolactam) on β-CD, followed by cross-linking of diethylene glycol dimethacrylate and subsequent deposition of CQDs. CQDs have been prepared from waste pomegranate peels via a hydrothermal method. To enlighten the thermoresponsive nature of the composite film, lower critical solution temperature, as well as temperature-dependent swelling behavior, has been studied. The composite demonstrates excellent rheological features. The developed polymeric composite film is nontoxic toward NIH 3T3 fibroblast cell lines. On the deposition of CQDs on the copolymer, the penetration power and fluorescent property have been improved, which help to track the cells in vitro. This film is worthy to be applied to the skin. It can efficiently load lidocaine hydrochloride monohydrate (LHM). In vitro and ex vivo skin permeation profiles reveal the sustained release behavior of loaded LHM at average skin temperature and pH.
Keywords: biocompatible; carbon quantum dots; composite film; cyclodextrin; drug delivery; hydrogel.