Research Article

Hydrogel Films Based on Alginate and Hyaluronic Acid Embedded with PCL-T Nanoparticles for Topical and Thermoresponsive Lidocaine Delivery

Rachel Faverzani Magnago 1 * , Danilo Pereira Darella 2, Thalia Viscardi Joaquim 2, Fernanda Mendes de Moraes 2, Luiz Alberto Kanis 3, Marcelo Maraschin 1, Karine Modolon Zepon 2
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1 Graduate Program in Biotechnology and Bioscience, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88034-000, Brazil2 Laboratory of Biomaterials and Biomimetics, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Tubarão 88701-000, Brazil3 Airela Pharmaceutica, Pedras Grandes 88720-000, Brazil* Corresponding Author
Applied Functional Materials, 6(1), March 2026, 12-24, https://doi.org/10.35745/afm2026v06.01.0002
Submitted: 02 August 2025, Published: 30 March 2026
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ABSTRACT

This study reports the development and characterization of hydrogel films composed of alginate and hyaluronic acid, incorporating poly(ε-caprolactone-triol) (PCL-T) nanoparticles loaded with lidocaine (1%, 1.5% and 2%) for topical application. Nanoparticles were prepared via nanoprecipitation, demonstrating a high encapsulation efficiency (>99%) and thermoresponsive drug release behavior (37 ± 1°C and 43 ± 1°C). The average hydrodynamic diameters were 174 nm, 333 nm, and 920 nm, with polydispersity indices of 0.296, 0.351, and 0.172, respectively. The nanoemulsions were incorporated into a biopolymer matrix, resulting in flexible, transparent, and biocompatible films. FTIR analysis confirmed the incorporation of the nanoparticles, and mechanical testing revealed an elastic modulus comparable to that of human skin. Scanning electron microscopy revealed an increase in porosity with increasing lidocaine concentration. While the isolated nanoparticles showed thermoresponsive release, this effect was attenuated in the film matrix, potentially due to electrostatic interactions with the polyanionic alginate and hyaluronic acid. Biocompatibility was confirmed via HaCaT cell viability assays, with results indicating cell viability greater than 79%. Overall, the findings suggest that the developed films are promising candidates for sustained topical release of local anesthetics, with potential applications in wound dressings
Keywords: Thermoresponsive release, Hydrogel film, Lidocaine, PCL-T, Alginate, Sodium hyaluronate

CITATION (APA)

Magnago, R. F., Darella, D. P., Joaquim, T. V., Moraes, F. M. D., Kanis, L. A., Maraschin, M., & Zepon, K. M. (2026). Hydrogel Films Based on Alginate and Hyaluronic Acid Embedded with PCL-T Nanoparticles for Topical and Thermoresponsive Lidocaine Delivery. Applied Functional Materials, 6(1), 12-24. https://doi.org/10.35745/afm2026v06.01.0002

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