Nano-colloidal systems formulated from amphiphilically-modified polysaccharides (degree of modification 16.6%) are focus of prominent study due to their potential to augment active penetration across the skin. Here we report the synthesis of amphiphilically-modified guar gum (GBE-GG) prepared by grafting with glycidol butyl ether (GBE), which were subsequently formed into nanocarriers and loaded with α-arbutin (22.3% loading). The monodispersed and close-to-spherical nanocarriers (size range 239-297 nm) formed via cross-linking were adequately stable mainly at low temperature (4 °C) under physiological pH condition. α-arbutin was released from GBE-GG NPs in a more sustained manner and the release profiles can be accurately represented by the 1st order kinetic model. In-vitro interactions on immortalised human keratinocytes (HaCaT) cells revealed an increase in biological membrane permeability as well as the absence of cellular toxicity at application pertinent concentrations. No substantial haemolytic activity appeared and flow cytometry analysis revealed effective cellular uptake, suggesting their potential as promising nanocarriers for percutaneous delivery that warrants further comprehensive research.
Keywords: Biopolymers; Guar gum; Nanocarriers; Percutaneous; Polymer modification.
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