Biocomposite Microparticles Incorporating Ibuprofen and ZnO Nanoparticles for Controlled Drug Delivery and Antimicrobial Therapy

Preparation of complex biomaterials capable of providing both controlled drug delivery and an increased antimicrobial effect without affecting healthy cells remains a major challenge in pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. This study reports the successful preparation of biocomposite microparticles based on carboxymethyl chitosan and poly (vinyl alcohol), co-loaded with zinc oxide nanoparticles with antimicrobial effect and Ibuprofen with anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic effect. An environmentally friendly water-in-oil emulsion method using DL-limonene as a biocompatible oil phase was used to obtain these microparticles. FTIR analysis confirmed the formation of intermolecular ester and amide bonds and the successful incorporation of zinc oxide nanoparticles into the polymeric matrix. The obtained microparticles exhibited diameters ranging from 533 to 1054 nm and provided a biphasic Ibuprofen release profile, characterized by an initial burst release within the first 3 h followed by sustained diffusion-controlled release, achieving cumulative drug release of 84–100%. Biocomposite microparticles presented excellent hemocompatibility, with hemolysis values between 0.41% and 2.47%. Moreover, after 24 h of exposure to microparticles, human dermal fibroblasts exhibited a cellular viability ranging from 82.24% to 94.22% whereas prolonged treatment for 48 h resulted in a slight decrease of cell viability until 74.88%. Biocomposite microparticles exhibited notable antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae strain. These findings demonstrate that the combination of green fabrication, controlled Ibuprofen release, good biocompatibility, and antimicrobial efficacy highlights the potential of these biocomposite microparticles as innovative hybrid nanostructures that can significantly improve therapeutic outcomes.