Applying the sensory analysis in the development of chitosan hydrogel containing polymeric nanocapsules for cutaneous use.

This work aimed to develop a chitosan hydrogel containing polymeric nanocapsules with optimized sensory properties, linking the advantages of the nanocarriers, such as controlled release and protection of the substances, to the chitosan properties, such as bioadherence, cicatrizing effect, and antimicrobial activity. Sixty untrained volunteers evaluated the sensory properties of chitosan hydrogels compared to hydroxyethyl cellulose gels (Phase I) and to optimized chitosan gels (Phase II). The volunteers' preference between formulations was also evaluated. The chitosan hydrogel, despite the presence of nanocapsules, presented higher immediate stickiness and film formation on the skin, and lower acceptance than the hydroxyethyl cellulose gels. Regarding the optimized gel, decrease on the film formation and increase on the homogeneity of the film was observed, compared to the prior chitosan gel. So, the optimization of the chitosan gel led to higher acceptance by the volunteers. The presence of nanocapsules, besides increasing the chitosan gel consistence, increased the perception of film formation. For the optimized chitosan gel, the nanocapsules increased the homogeneity of the film formed on the skin, without increasing the perception of film formation. In conclusion, through sensory analysis, the formulation was optimized presenting, at the final stage, adequate sensory properties for cutaneous use.