Calcium ions hyaluronan/gellan gum protective shell for delivery of oleuropein in the knee

Oleuropein has several beneficial properties. Strong evidences of its role in preventing osteoarthritis and playing analgesic and sedative effects are gaining. Starting from that, we entrapped a vegetal bioactive matrix rich in oleuropein into calcium ions crosslinked gellan gum and hyaluronan formulations. Infrared spectroscopy and thermal analysis confirmed the absence of significant interactions between the polysaccharide shells and the bioactive matrix, thus guaranteeing a burst release of oleuropein. The adequate mechanical performance of the systems for the foreseen application as viscosupplement was also verified. Cytocompatibility of developed systems toward fibroblasts and human chondrocytes was assessed.

Automated summary

There is strong evidence suggesting that Oleuropein plays a role in preventing osteoarthritis and has analgesic and sedative effects. In this study, a plant bioactive matrix rich in Oleuropein was successfully encapsulated into gel and hyaluronan formulations, with the systems demonstrating adequate mechanical performance and cytocompatibility towards cells.