Skin barrier modulation by Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. mucilage for transdermal drug delivery

Facile process ofHibiscusmucilage polymer formulation usingHibiscus rosa-sinensisleaves to treat second-degree burn and excision wounds

Mucilage is a sticky substance found in various plants and microorganisms and is made up of proteins and polysaccharides. Mucilage fromHibiscus rosa sinensisisis a complex polysaccharide traditionally used to treat different skin diseases. In our study, we fabricated mucilage polymer fromHibiscus rosa sinensisleaves and evaluated its potential application in second-degree burns and excision wounds. The physical properties of Hibiscus mucilage (HM) polymer were demonstrated by using Ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, Scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Tellerand, Swelling ratio. The human cell lines WI-38, and HaCaT have been used forin-vitroexperiments like MTT, scratch wound, BrdU, ROS scavenging assays, and western blot analysis. The results of the MTT, scratch-wound, and BrdU assay indicated that the HM polymer is nontoxic in nature and also enhances both the properties of cellular migration and proliferation, respectively. On the other hand, the result of the ROS scavenging assay suggested that HM polymer enhances the antioxidant activity of cells while the western blot analysis designated that the HM polymer treatment caused downregulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-γand upregulation of the pAkt (Serine 473) protein, and TGF-β1 signaling pathway. Therefore, allin-vitroexperimental studies recommended that HM polymer is biocompatible and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In thein vivoexperiment, second-degree burns and excision wounds were created on the dorsal surface of male BALB/c mice. After the sixth day of HM polymer treatment have developed new tissue, hair follicles, blood vessels,α-SMA, and Collagen type-1 fiber on the burn and excision wound area while the 11th day of HM polymer treatment cured the wound area significantly. Therefore, it could be contemplated that HM polymer is a potential agent for treating different wounds in the near future.

Aloe vera mucilage loaded gelatin electrospun fibers contained in polylactic acid coaxial system and polylactic acid and poly(e-caprolactone) tri-layer membranes for tissue engineering

BACKGROUND

Polymeric electrospun mats have been used as scaffolds in tissue engineering for the development of novel materials due to its characteristics. The usage of synthetic materials has gone in decline due to environmental problems associated with their synthesis and waste disposal. Biomaterials such as biopolymers have been used recently due to good compatibility on biological applications and sustainability.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this work is to obtain novel materials based on synthetic and natural polymers for applications on tissue engineering.

METHODS

Aloe vera mucilage was obtained, chemically characterized, and used as an active compound contained in electrospun mats. Polymeric scaffolds were obtained in single, coaxial and tri-layer structures, characterized and evaluated in cell culture.

RESULTS

Mucilage loaded electrospun fibers showed good compatibility due to formation of hydrogen bonds between polymers and biomolecules from its structure, evidenced by FTIR spectra and thermal properties. Cell viability test showed that most of the obtained mats result on viability higher than 75%, resulting in nontoxic materials, ready to be used on scaffolding applications.

CONCLUSION

Mucilage containing fibers resulted on materials with potential use on scaffolding applications due to their mechanical performance and cell viability results.

Potential use of red hibiscus flower extract for the production of spray-chilled microparticles: Characterization, stability, and bioaccessibility in vitro of anthocyanins

Microparticles (MLP) containing red hibiscus flower (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) anthocyanins were produced by spray chilling, and characterized for physicochemical parameters, accelerated stability, and gastrointestinal release profile. Fully hydrogenated palm oil and cocoa butter were used as wall materials, at a lipid blend to hibiscus extract ratio of 70:30 (w/w). The lipid blends containing fully hydrogenated palm oil (FHPO) and cocoa butter (CB) were produced by ultrasound-assisted technique in the following FHPO to CB ratios: 100:0 (Control), 75:25, 50:50, 60:40, and 40:60. Increasing the cocoa butter content reduced the melting temperature and increased the unstable polymorphic behavior of the microparticles, resulting in amorphous characteristics. The microparticles exhibited higher viscosity, more agglomerates, and holes on the surface, and greater diameters. Characteristic peaks corresponding to the hibiscus extract were observed in the infrared spectra of the spray-chilled microparticles, indicating that the microencapsulation did not affect the anthocyanins. The antioxidant capacity of the red hibiscus anthocyanins ranged from 75 % to 79 %, with the best result observed for the treatment MLP_75:25. Higher antioxidant activities were observed for the lipid blends containing lower cocoa butter concentrations. Concerning the release profile of anthocyanins, the simulated GI digestion in vitro showed reduced release in the gastric tract and more intense release in the intestinal tract for an effective absorption of the antioxidant compounds in the small intestine. Furthermore, the treatment MLP_75:25 showed the highest encapsulation retention and lower total color difference in the accelerated stability study. Overall, the microparticles from all treatments were light-sensitive and thermosensitive at 35 °C. Thus, it is recommended to store the particles in a dark environment at temperatures below 35 °C for an effective use of the microparticles as natural food colorants.

Polysaccharide-Based Transdermal Drug Delivery

Materials derived from natural plants and animals have great potential for transdermal drug delivery. Polysaccharides are widely derived from marine, herbal, and microbial sources. Compared with synthetic polymers, polysaccharides have the advantages of non-toxicity and biodegradability, ease of modification, biocompatibility, targeting, and antibacterial properties. Currently, polysaccharide-based transdermal drug delivery vehicles, such as hydrogel, film, microneedle (MN), and tissue scaffolds are being developed. The addition of polysaccharides allows these vehicles to exhibit better-swelling properties, mechanical strength, tensile strength, etc. Due to the stratum corneum’s resistance, the transdermal drug delivery system cannot deliver drugs as efficiently as desired. The charge and hydration of polysaccharides allow them to react with the skin and promote drug penetration. In addition, polysaccharide-based nanotechnology enhances drug utilization efficiency. Various diseases are currently treated by polysaccharide-based transdermal drug delivery devices and exhibit promising futures. The most current knowledge on these excellent materials will be thoroughly discussed by reviewing polysaccharide-based transdermal drug delivery strategies.