A two-step covalent binding between N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) and chitosan (CS) was proposed.
The ophthalmic delivery of curcumin (CUR) was enhanced by elaborating nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) decorating with CS derivatives.
The CS-NAC-CUR-NLC was superior to chitosan oligosaccharides (COS) or carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) modification in ophthalmic delivery.
The superiority in view of: extended release, corneal rention time and permeability through the cornea.
The CS-NAC coated CUR-NLC induced neither a feeling of discomfort nor irritation.