Algal cellulose reinforced polyvinyl alcohol composite hydrogel with controlled niacinamide release for cosmeceutical applications

Niacinamide, a multi-functional cosmeceutical ingredient, has been extensively formulated in skincare products. To enhance the efficacy of niacinamide penetration into the skin, numerous hybrid hydrogels and drug delivery systems have been extensively developed as carriers for efficient entrapment and release of niacinamide. However, the mechanical properties and limited capacity of achieving high loading and sustained drug release are predominantly determined by synthetic polymers. Hence, it becomes imperative to develop innovative hybrid materials. Here, we successfully fabricated algal cellulose/Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite hydrogels by employing cellulose extracted from Cladophora spp. and Ulva spp. through alkaline treatment. The physiochemical characteristics and properties of the composite hydrogels including niacinamide entrapment and release efficiency were examined. The results found that reinforcing PVA with algal cellulose resulted in a reduction in pore size with an increase in both number and distribution. The reinforcement also led to enhanced thermal stability and improved swelling properties. The Ulva cellulose/PVA composite hydrogel exhibited a higher swelling ratio and encapsulation efficiency compared to Cladophora cellulose/PVA composite hydrogel. Furthermore, the results of release kinetics confirmed that the Ulva cellulose/PVA composite hydrogel showed the most effective mechanism of niacinamide release from hydrogel, transitioning from non-Fickian to Fickian model. This suggests that it is a suitable material for niacinamide delivery as a cosmeceutical ingredient via the transdermal route. This study implies that the Ulva cellulose/PVA composite hydrogel could serve as a promising vehicle for niacinamide delivery across the skin.