Novel Herbal Nanocarriers for Treatment of Dermatological Disorders

Microsponges: Development, Characterization, and Key Physicochemical Properties

Microsponges are promising drug delivery carriers with versatile characteristics and controlled release properties for the delivery of a wide range of drugs. The microsponges will provide an optimized therapeutic effect, when delivered at the site of action without rupturing, then releasing the cargo at the predetermined time and area. The ability of the microsponges to effectively deliver the drug in a controlled manner depends on the material composition. This comprehensive review entails knowledge on the design parameters of an optimized microsponge drug delivery system and the controlled release properties of microsponges that reduces the side effects of drugs. Furthermore, the review delves into the fabrication techniques of microsponges, the mechanism of drug release from the microsponges, and the regulatory requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the successful marketing of microsponge formulation. The review also examines the patented formulations of microsponges. The prospects of these sophisticated drug delivery systems for improved clinical outcomes are highlighted.

Novel Arena of Nanocosmetics: Applications and their Remarkable Contribution in the Management of Dermal Disorders, Topical Delivery, Future Trends and Challenges

Nanocosmetics have attracted a considerable audience towards natural care due to their low cost, target-specific delivery, and reduced toxicity compared to chemical-based cosmetics. Nanofomulations, including nanoemulsions, nanotubes, and polymeric carriers, have become next-generation products explored for the multifaced applications of nanotechnology in skin care. The rise in the cosmetic industry demands innovative and personalized products designed using nanocarriers for better targeting and improving patient compliance. Furthermore, nanocosmetics increase the efficiency of skin permeation active ingredient entrapment, providing better UV protection. Moreover, it offers controlled drug release, targeting active sites and enhancing physical stability. Further, overcoming the drawback of penetration problems makes them sustainable formulations for precision medicine. Skincare nourishment with nanocosmetics using Indian spices helps to maintain, beautify, and rejuvenate human skin. Nanophytopharmaceuticals extracted from plants, including alkaloids, flavonoids, antioxidants, and volatile oils, are essential phyto-products for skin care. Nano herbals and nanocosmetics are a growing market and gift of nature that nourishes and cures skin ailments like acne, pemphigus, anti-aging, albinism, psoriasis, and fungal infections. The emerging concern is highlighted in the investigation of nanoformulation toxicity and safety concerns in skin care. Further, it helps to manifest research, development, and innovation in expanding the scope of herbal industries.

Design of bio-scaffold conjugated with chitosan-PEG nano-carriers containing bio-macromolecules of Verbascum sinuatum L. to differentiate human adipose-derived stem cells into dermal keratinocytes

Regenerative medicine and drug delivery systems provide promising approaches for the treatment of skin lesions. However, the design of engineered substrates containing therapeutic agents for cell proliferation and its differentiation into skin cells, with skin-like patterns, is the major challenge. Here, to overcome this problem, a hybrid scaffold conjugated with nanoparticles containing the extract of Verbascum sinuatum L. flowers (HE) was designed. To this end, (chitosan-PEG)-based nanocarriers (Chi-PEG) were first prepared in the volume ratios of 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, and 50:50 v/v. The results indicated that the 70:30 ratio possessed better physical/morphologic properties along with more suitable stability than other nanoparticles (encapsulation-efficiency:86.34 %, zeta-potential:21.2 mV, and PDI:0.30). Afterward, PCL-collagen biologic scaffold (PCL-Coll) were prepared by the lyophilization method, then conjugated with selected nanoparticles(Chi-PEG70:30-HE). Notably, in addition to PCL-Coll/Chi-PEG-HE, two scaffolds of PCL-Coll and PCL-Coll/Chi-PEG were prepared to evaluate the role of conjugation in the release behavior of herbal bio-macromolecules. Based on the results, the conjugation process was led to a more stable release, compared to unconjugated nanoparticles. The mentioned process also created an integrated network along with better physicomechanical properties [modulus:12.31 MPa, tensile strength:4.44 MPa, smaller pore size(2 μm), and better swelling (100.27 %) with a symmetrical wettability on the surface]. PCL-Coll/Chi-PEG-HE scaffold was also resulted in higher expression levels of K10 and K14 keratinocytes with biomimetic patterns than PCL-Coll/Chi-PEG scaffold. This could be due to the active ingredients of V. sinuatum extract like alkaloids, flavonoids, and triterpenoids which imparts the wound healing (anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant) properties to this scaffold. It seems that the use of bioactive materials like herbal extracts, in the form of encapsulated into polymeric nanocarriers, in the structure of engineered scaffolds can be a promising option for regenerating damaged skin without scarring. Hence, this study can provide innovative insights into the combination of two techniques of drug delivery and tissue engineering to design bio-scaffolds containing bioactive molecules with better therapeutic approaches.