Bioactive Interpenetrating Polymeric Network Microparticles from Marine Polysaccharides for Advanced Therapeutic Applications

Abstract Interpenetrating polymeric network microparticulate system (IPN MPs) consisting of marine polysaccharides, Fucoidan and Laminarin, was developed using the emulsion cross‐linking method. The formation of the IPN MPs was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal gravimetric analysis TGA), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. The effect of varying IPN blend composition on the internal aqueous phase viscosity, particle size, drying rate, matrix topography, and swelling index of the IPN MPs matrix was investigated thoroughly. In vitro degradation studies demonstrated a tunable degradation profile with less than 2% weight loss over two weeks. Evaluation of biointeraction and irritancy potential revealed a hemolysis rate below 5% and an irritation score of 0, demonstrating their non‐hemolytic and non‐irritant behaviour. Further, evaluation of cytotoxicity including immuno and skin compatibility, via MTT and live/dead assays validated their safety profile. Moreover, a promigratory effect greater than 70% was reported in an in vitro model of skin wounds. Further, ex vivo bioadhesion study revealed good adhesion to biological tissues. These findings confirm that the IPN MPs matrix is a promising candidate for advanced therapeutic applications targeting the skin, particularly in wound healing, and pave the way for future drug delivery investigations.