Innovative Eco-Friendly Hydrogel Film for Berberine Delivery in Skin Applications

Slightly viscous dispersions of mucoadhesive polymers as vehicles for nasal administration of dopamine and grape seed extract-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles

With the aim to find an alternative vehicle to the most used thermosensitive hydrogels for efficient nanotechnology-based nose-to-brain delivery approach for Parkinson's disease (PD) treatment, in this work we evaluated the Dopamine (DA) and the antioxidant grape seed-derived pro-anthocyanidins (Grape Seed Extract, GSE) co-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) put in slight viscous dispersions (SVDs). These SVDs were prepared by dispersion in water at low concentrations of mucoadhesive polymers to which SLN pellets were added. For the purpose, we investigated two polymeric blends, namely Poloxamer/Carbopol (PF-127/Carb) and oxidized alginate/Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (AlgOX/HPMC). Rheological studies showed that the two fluids possess Newtonian behaviour with a viscosity slightly higher that water. The pH values of the SVDs were mainly within the normal range of nasal fluid as well as almost no osmotic effect was associated to both SVDs. All the SVDs were capable to provide DA permeation through nasal porcine mucosa. Moreover, it was found that PF-127/Carb blend possesses penetration enhancer capability better than the Alg OX/HPMC combination. Flow cytometry studies demonstrated the uptake of viscous liquids incorporating fluorescent SLNs by human nasal RPMI 2650 cell in time-dependent manner. In conclusion, the SVD formulations may be considered promising alternatives to thermosensitive hydrogels strategy. Moreover, in a broader perspective, such SVD formulations may be also hopeful for treating various neurological diseases beyond PD treatment.

Silk Sericin and Its Composite Materials with Antibacterial Properties to Enhance Wound Healing: A Review

Wound infections may disrupt the normal wound-healing process. Large amounts of antibiotics are frequently used to prevent pathogenic infections; however, this can lead to resistance development. Biomaterials possessing antimicrobial properties have promising applications for reducing antibiotic usage and promoting wound healing. Silk sericin (SS) has been increasingly explored for skin wound healing applications owing to its excellent biocompatibility and antioxidant, antimicrobial, and ultraviolet-resistant properties. In recent years, SS-based composite biomaterials with a broader antimicrobial spectrum have been extensively investigated and demonstrated favorable efficacy in promoting wound healing. This review summarizes various antimicrobial agents, including metal nanoparticles, natural extracts, and antibiotics, that have been incorporated into SS composites for wound healing and elucidates their mechanisms of action. It has been revealed that SS-based biomaterials can achieve sustained antimicrobial activity by slow-release-loaded antimicrobial agents. The antimicrobial-loaded SS composites may promote wound healing through anti-infection, anti-inflammation, hemostasis, angiogenesis, and collagen deposition. The manufacturing methods, benefits, and limitations of antimicrobial-loaded SS materials are briefly discussed. This review aims to enhance the understanding of new advances and directions in SS-based antimicrobial composites and guide future biomedical research.

Inhibition of inflammation by berberine: Molecular mechanism and network pharmacology analysis

BACKGROUND

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), renowned for its holistic approach with a 2000-year history of utilizing natural remedies, offers unique advantages in disease prevention and treatment. Berberine, found in various Chinese herbs, has been employed for many years, primarily for addressing conditions such as diarrhea and dysentery. Berberine has recently become a research focus owing to its pharmacological activities and benefits to human bodies. However, little is known about the anti-inflammatory mechanism of berberine.

PURPOSE

To summarize recent findings regarding the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of berberine anti-inflammation and highlight and predict the potential therapeutic effects and systematic mechanism of berberine.

METHODS

Recent studies (2013-2023) on the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of berberine anti-inflammation were retrieved from Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus up to July 2023 using relevant keywords. Network pharmacology and bioinformatics analysis were employed to predict the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of berberine against potential diseases.

RESULTS

The related pharmacological mechanisms of berberine anti-inflammation include the inhibition of inflammatory cytokine production (e.g., IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), thereby attenuating the inflammatory response; Inhibiting the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway and IκBα degradation; Inhibiting the activation of MAPK signaling pathway; Enhancing the activation of the STAT1 signaling pathway; Berberine interacts directly with cell membranes through a variety of pathways, thereby influencing cellular physiological activities. Berberine enhances human immunity and modulates immune system function, which is integral to addressing certain autoimmune and tumour-related health concerns.

CONCLUSION

This study expounds on the correlation between berberine and inflammatory diseases, encapsulating the mechanisms through which berberine treats select typical inflammatory ailments. Furthermore, it delves into a deeper understanding of berberine's effectiveness by integrating network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques in the context of treating inflammatory diseases. It provides guidance and reference for berberine's subsequent revelation of the modern scientific connotation of Chinese medicine.

From Plants to Wound Dressing and Transdermal Delivery of Bioactive Compounds

Transdermal delivery devices and wound dressing materials are constantly improved and upgraded with the aim of enhancing their beneficial effects, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and cost effectiveness. Therefore, researchers in the field have shown an increasing interest in using natural compounds as constituents for such systems. Plants, as an important source of so-called "natural products" with an enormous variety and structural diversity that still exceeds the capacity of present-day sciences to define or even discover them, have been part of medicine since ancient times. However, their benefits are just at the beginning of being fully exploited in modern dermal and transdermal delivery systems. Thus, plant-based primary compounds, with or without biological activity, contained in gums and mucilages, traditionally used as gelling and texturing agents in the food industry, are now being explored as valuable and cost-effective natural components in the biomedical field. Their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity compensate for local availability and compositional variations. Also, secondary metabolites, classified based on their chemical structure, are being intensively investigated for their wide pharmacological and toxicological effects. Their impact on medicine is highlighted in detail through the most recent reported studies. Innovative isolation and purification techniques, new drug delivery devices and systems, and advanced evaluation procedures are presented.

Lupeol-loaded chitosan-Ag+ nanoparticle/sericin hydrogel accelerates wound healing and effectively inhibits bacterial infection

Lupeol, a pentacyclic triterpene, has demonstrated significant wound healing properties; however, its low water solubility has limited its clinical applicability. To overcome this limitation, we utilized Ag⁺-modified chitosan (CS-Ag) nanoparticles to deliver lupeol, resulting in the formation of CS-Ag-L-NPs. These nanoparticles were then encapsulated within a temperature-sensitive, self-assembled sericin hydrogel. Various analytical methods, including SEM, FTIR, XRD, HPLC, TGA assay, hemolysis and antibacterial activity tests, were employed to characterize the nanoparticles. Additionally, an infectious wound model was used to evaluate the therapeutic and antibacterial efficacy of the CS-Ag-L-NPs modified sericin hydrogel. Our results showed that the encapsulation efficiency of lupeol in CS-Ag-L-NPs reached 62.1 %, with good antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and a low hemolysis ratio (<5 %). The CS-Ag-L-NPs sericin gel exhibited multiple beneficial effects, including inhibiting bacterial proliferation in wound beds, promoting wound healing via accelerated re-epithelialization, reducing inflammation, and enhancing collagen fiber deposition. We conclude that the CS-Ag-L-NPs loaded sericin hydrogel has tremendous potential for development as a multifunctional therapeutic platform capable of accelerating wound healing and effectively suppressing bacterial infections in clinical settings.

Oleuropein-Rich Gellan Gum/Alginate Films as Innovative Treatments against Photo-Induced Skin Aging

Olea europaea L. leaf extracts (OLEs) represent highly value-added agro-industrial byproducts, being promising sources of significant antioxidant compounds, such as their main component, oleuropein. In this work, hydrogel films based on low-acyl gellan gum (GG) blended with sodium alginate (NaALG) were loaded with OLE and crosslinked with tartaric acid (TA). The films' ability to act as an antioxidant and photoprotectant against UVA-induced photoaging, thanks to their capability to convey oleuropein to the skin, were examined with the aim of a potential application as facial masks. Biological in vitro performances of the proposed materials were tested on normal human dermal fibroblasts (NhDFs), both under normal conditions and after aging-induced UVA treatment. Overall, our results clearly show the intriguing properties of the proposed hydrogels as effective and fully naturally formulated anti-photoaging smart materials for potential use as facial masks.

Combined Dopamine and Grape Seed Extract-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Nasal Mucosa Permeation, and Uptake by Olfactory Ensheathing Cells and Neuronal SH-SY5Y Cells

We have already formulated solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) in which the combination of the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) and the antioxidant grape-seed-derived proanthocyanidins (grape seed extract, GSE) was supposed to be favorable for Parkinson’s disease (PD) treatment. In fact, GSE supply would reduce the PD-related oxidative stress in a synergic effect with DA. Herein, two different methods of DA/GSE loading were studied, namely, coadministration in the aqueous phase of DA and GSE, and the other approach consisting of a physical adsorption of GSE onto preformed DA containing SLNs. Mean diameter of DA coencapsulating GSE SLNs was 187 ± 4 nm vs. 287 ± 15 nm of GSE adsorbing DA-SLNs. TEM microphotographs evidenced low-contrast spheroidal particles, irrespective of the SLN type. Moreover, Franz diffusion cell experiments confirmed the permeation of DA from both SLNs through the porcine nasal mucosa. Furthermore, fluorescent SLNs also underwent cell-uptake studies by using flow cytometry in olfactory ensheathing cells and neuronal SH-SY5Y cells, evidencing higher uptake when GSE was coencapsulated rather than adsorbed onto the particles.

Polylactide-Based Films Incorporated with Berberine-Physicochemical and Antibacterial Properties

A series of new polymeric materials consisting of polylactide (PLA), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and berberine chloride (B) was evaluated. PEG was incorporated into the polymer matrix with the aim of obtaining a plasticizing effect, while berberine was added in order to obtain antibacterial properties in formed packaging materials. Materials were formed using the solvent-casting procedure. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used so as to establish the structural changes resulting from the introduction of berberine. Thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry were applied to study the thermal properties. Further, mechanical properties and differences in colour and transparency between the control sample and films containing berberine were also studied. The recorded data indicates that berberine formed a network on the surface of the PLA-based materials. Introduction of an active compound significantly improved thermal stability and greatly affected the Young's modulus values of the studied polymeric films. Moreover, it should be stressed that the addition of the studied active compound leads to an improvement of the antibacterial properties, resulting in a significant decrease in growth of E. coli and the S. aureus bacteria cultures.

Composition and Bioactivity of a Modified Huang-Lian-Jie-Du Decoction

Background. Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRIs) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are key drugs in targeted cancer therapy. However, they may cause skin toxicity. We previously prepared a modified Huang-Lian-Jie-Du (mHLJD) decoction cream using 10 herbs, which effectively alleviated EGFRI/TKI-induced skin toxicity. In the present study, we identified the reference markers of the mHLJD decoction and investigated the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects of the mHLJD decoction extract. Methods. We performed high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to determine the composition of the mHLJD decoction. Human epidermoid A431 cells were treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α to induce inflammation; then, the effects of the mHLJD decoction extract on the cytokine expression were determined using a cytokine array and by performing real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The antibacterial effects of the extract were examined using disk diffusion and microdilution assays. Results. HPLC results revealed that the mHLJD decoction primarily consisted of geniposide, berberine chloride, baicalin, coptisine, and palmatine. TNF-α treatment increased the expression of certain cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-8, M-CSF, and TGF-β2; however, pretreatment with the mHLJD decoction extract reduced their expression. The qPCR results demonstrated a decreased mRNA expression of IL-8, M-CSF, and TGF-β2. The antibacterial assay revealed that the extract exerted inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus aureus, forming an inhibition zone at the minimum inhibitory concentrations of 3.125 and 6.25 mg/mL; however, the extract exerted no effects on Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Conclusions. We developed an HPLC method to quantify the reference markers of the mHLJD decoction. The bioactivity analysis provided the potential mechanisms underlying the effects of the mHLJD decoction on EGFRI/TKI-induced skin toxicity.

In Vitro Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Leaf Extract against Cutibacterium acnes

Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) is the main causative agent of acne vulgaris. The study aims to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of a natural product, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaf extract, against C. acnes. Preliminary chemical–physical characterization of the extract was carried out by means of FT-IR, TGA and XPS analyses. Skin permeation kinetics of the extract conveyed by a toning lotion was studied in vitro by Franz diffusion cell, monitoring the permeated arbutin (as the target component of the extract) and the total phenols by HPLC and UV-visible spectrophotometry, respectively. Antimicrobial activity and time-killing assays were performed to evaluate the effects of Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaf extract against planktonic C. acnes. The influence of different Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaf extract concentrations on the biofilm biomass inhibition and degradation was evaluated by the crystal violet (CV) method. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) test was used to determine the viability of immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT) after exposure to Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaf extract for 24 and 48 h. Levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α were quantified after HaCaT cells cotreatment with Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaf extract and heat-killed C. acnes. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) which exerted a bacteriostatic action on 90% of planktonic C. acnes (MIC₉₀) was 0.6 mg/mL. Furthermore, MIC and sub-MIC concentrations influenced the biofilm formation phases, recording a percentage of inhibition that exceeded 50 and 40% at 0.6 and 0.3 mg/mL. Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaf extract disrupted biofilm biomass of 57 and 45% at the same concentrations mentioned above. Active Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaf extract doses did not affect the viability of HaCaT cells. On the other hand, at 1.25 and 0.6 mg/mL, complete inhibition of the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines was recorded. Taken together, these results indicate that Arctostaphylos uva-ursi leaf extract could represent a natural product to counter the virulence of C. acnes, representing a new alternative therapeutic option for the treatment of acne vulgaris.

Natural Formulations Based on Olea europaea L. Fruit Extract for the Topical Treatment of HSV-1 Infections

In the present study, a hydroxytyrosol-rich Olea europaea L. fruit extract (OFE) was added to three thoroughly green formulations—hydrogel, oleogel, and cream—in order to evaluate their antiviral activity against HSV-1. The extract was characterized by different analytical techniques, i.e., FT-IR, XPS, and TGA. HPLC analyses were carried out to monitor the content and release of hydroxytyrosol in the prepared formulations. The total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity were investigated through Folin–Ciocâlteu’s reagent, DPPH, and ABTS assays. The ability of the three formulations to convey active principles to the skin was evaluated using a Franz cell, showing that the number of permeated polyphenols in the hydrogel (272.1 ± 1.8 GAE/g) was significantly higher than those in the oleogel and cream (174 ± 10 and 179.6 ± 2 GAE/g, respectively), even if a negligible amount of hydroxytyrosol crossed the membrane for all the formulations. The cell viability assay indicated that the OFE and the three formulations were not toxic to cultured Vero cells. The antiviral activity tests highlighted that the OFE had a strong inhibitory effect against HSV-1 with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) at 25 µg/mL, interfering directly with the viral particles. Among the three formulations, the hydrogel exhibited the highest antiviral activity also against the acyclovir-resistant strain.

Eco-Sustainable Silk Fibroin/Pomegranate Peel Extract Film as an Innovative Green Material for Skin Repair

Skin disorders are widespread around the world, affecting people of all ages, and oxidative stress represents one of the main causes of alteration in the normal physiological parameters of skin cells. In this work, we combined a natural protein, fibroin, with antioxidant compounds extracted in water from pomegranate waste. We demonstrate the effective and facile fabrication of bioactive and eco-sustainable films of potential interest for skin repair. The blended films are visually transparent (around 90%); flexible; stable in physiological conditions and in the presence of trypsin for 12 days; able to release the bioactive compounds in a controlled manner; based on Fickian diffusion; and biocompatible towards the main skin cells, keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Furthermore, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production tests demonstrated the high capacity of our films to reduce the oxidative stress induced in cells, which is responsible for various skin diseases.