Encapsulation of rosmarinic acid into chitosan nanoparticles

Introduction: The use of nanotechnology in medical sciences is a innovation that promises a new age of health. Among the different approaches explored so far, chitosan exhibits favourable and unique biological properties, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-antigenic, non-toxicity and mucoadhesiveness . On the other hand, natural extracts have been incorporated in chitosan films, or macro/microparticles, becoming more effective as antimicrobial or improving the antioxidant protection. The combination of antioxidants and nanoparticles is seen as the key to success in the topical administration of therapeutic antioxidants . Phenolic compound like rosmarinic acid are potent natural antioxidant with a multitude of biological activities like anti-inflammatory, antimutagen, antibacterial and antiviral as well as high potential radical scavenging activity.