Chitosan as Stabilizer and Carrier of Natural Based Nanostructures

Abstract

The use of nanotechnology in the development of cosmetics can bring new sights to old approaches. Liposomes are classic nanostructured systems largely used because of their ability to entrap hydrophilic and hydrophobic active substances. However, new materials can be obtained by the association of such classical devices with other materials, like the polyelectrolyte chitosan. In this way, chitosan can be used to modulate the surface properties of liposomes. The large surface area makes crucial the knowledge about interfacial phenomena for systems that contain nanoparticles. On the other hand, the macroscopic properties, e.g. rheology, can be modified by the association of chitosan and nanoparticles, affecting sensory attributes. Finally, on the biomedical field it is also possible to produce new devices to be used as support to growth cells employing the same strategy. By analyzing some fundamental aspects of the nanoparticles as well as their