INNOVATION IN NANOTECHNOLOGICAL SYSTEMS: O-CARBOXYMETHYLCHITOSAN AS A POLYMERIC MATRIX FOR VITAMIN C INCORPORATION

O-Carboxymethyl chitosan is a chitosan derivative with potential for the development of biocompatible nanotechnological systems. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a topical formulation containing O-carboxymethyl chitosan nanoparticles associated with vitamin C and Carbopol® 940, focusing on its stability and biocompatibility. The nanoparticles were prepared with 5% vitamin C in an aqueous solution of O-carboxymethyl chitosan (0.25% w/w) and different concentrations (1, 2, and 3%) of Carbopol® 940. The formulations were characterized by FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), DLS (dynamic light scattering), zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI), UV-Vis, and rheological behavior, in addition to a cytotoxicity assay in L929 cell line. The nanoparticles showed an average size of 357.28 ± 10.85 nm, zeta potential of –3.19 ± 0.85 mV, and PDI of 0.241 ± 0.055, maintaining stability for up to 90 days at 25 °C. The formulations exhibited pseudoplastic behavior, good injectability, and no physicochemical interaction between the polymer and vitamin C. The cytotoxicity assay confirmed the biocompatibility of the formulation. The results indicate that O-carboxymethyl chitosan is a promising polymer for nanoengineered systems containing vitamin C in topical formulations.