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Carboxymethyl‐hexanoyl chitosan (CHC) has the ability to self‐assemble into nanocapsules in an aqueous solution and it has recently shown potential in numerous biomedical applications. Here we investigate the protein loading efficiency and release, as well as the structural properties of CHC protein nanocarriers. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) or its chromophore labelled version, fluorescein‐BSA, was used as a model protein and the loading was performed with a simple mixing of pre‐formed nanocapsules and protein. Dynamic light scattering and zeta potential analysis revealed that protein loaded nanocarriers with high positive zeta potential were formed. The protein loaded nanocarriers displayed a loading efficiency of 75% and a very slow protein release. In summary, our results highlight the potential of CHC as a protein nanocarrier, but also indicate that protein‐CHC interactions need to be considered in protein containing CHC formulations where protein release is not the main function. Refereed/Peer-reviewed

The development of new adhesive wound care products intended for an application over a prolonged time requires good water transporting properties of the adhesive for the maintenance of a suitable environment around the wound. The ability of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based silicone films to transport water has led to its use in skin pressure-sensitive adhesives and it would be advantageous to find ways for controlling or increasing water transport across PDMS films in order to be able to develop improved skin adhesives. In this study we present a way to increase water transport in such films by the addition of hydrophilic excipients. Three hydrophilic additives, highly water-soluble sucrose and the two superabsorbent polymers (SAP) Carbopol® and Pemulen™, were investigated. The effect of the excipients was characterized by water transport studies, swelling tests, scanning electron microscopy imaging and confocal microscopy. The cross-linked polymers, primarily Pemulen™, were efficient water transport enhancers, whereas sucrose did not show any effect. The effect of the additives seemed to correlate with their water binding capacity. For SAPs the formation of a percolating structure by swollen polymer was also suggested, which enhances water penetration by the higher volume fraction of areas with a higher diffusion constant (swollen SAP), leading to a faster transport through the entire film. Refereed/Peer-reviewed