Potential of Cricket Chitosan for Nanoparticle Development Through Ionotropic Gelation: Novel Source for Cosmeceutical Delivery Systems

Overview

Journal Pharmaceutics

Publisher MDPI

Date 2025 Jan 8

PMID 39771596

Authors

Jirasit Inthorn

Pratthana Chomchalao

Puracheth Rithchumpon

Saranya Juntrapirom

Watchara Kanjanakawinkul

Thomas Rades

Wantida Chaiyana

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background/objectives: Crickets are recognized as an alternative source of chitosan. This study aimed to assess the potential of cricket-derived chitosan as a natural source to develop chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs).

Methods: Chitosan were isolated from different cricket species, including , , and . The isolated chitosan were characterized by their functional groups, crystallographic and thermal properties, molecular structure, morphology, water solubility, molecular weight, binding capacity, irritation potential, and cytotoxicity in comparison to commercial shrimp-based chitosan. CNPs were developed through an ionotropic gelation method, followed by the evaluation of particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential.

Results: The findings of this study indicate that chitosan can be successfully isolated from the three cricket species, with yields ranging from 4.35% to 5.22% / of the dried material. The characteristics of cricket-based chitosan were similar to those of commercial chitosan, except that the cricket-based chitosan displayed a higher crystallinity and a lower molecular weight. Additionally, CPNs were successfully produced from cricket-based chitosan using sodium citrate as a crosslinking agent. All cricket-based chitosan exhibited no irritation or cytotoxicity. Chitosan derived from however was found to be the most suitable to develop CPNs, as it produced the smallest particle size (522.0 ± 12.1 nm) with a comparatively narrow PDI (0.388 ± 0.026) and an acceptable positive zeta potential (34.2 ± 4.4 mV).

Conclusions: Cricket-derived chitosan compares favorably with crustacean-derived chitosan and showed potential for a range of applications, including the use as a nanocosmeceutical delivery system in topical and cosmetic formulations.

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