Skin Components Research Articles

Human Dermal Decellularized ECM Hydrogels as Scaffolds for 3D In Vitro Skin Aging Models.

Biomaterials play an important role in the development of advancing three dimensional (3D) in vitro skin models, providing valuable insights for drug testing and tissue-specific modeling. Commercial materials, such as collagen, fibrin or alginate, have been widely used in skin modeling. However, they do not adequately represent the molecular complexity of skin components. On this regard, the development of novel biomaterials that represent the complexity of tissues is becoming more important in the design of advanced models. In this study, we have obtained aged human decellularized dermal extracellular matrix (dECM) hydrogels extracted from cadaveric human skin and demonstrated their potential as scaffold for advanced skin models. These dECM hydrogels effectively reproduce the complex fibrillar structure of other common scaffolds, exhibiting similar mechanical properties, while preserving the molecular composition of the native dermis. It is worth noting that fibroblasts embedded within human dECM hydrogels exhibit a behavior more representative of natural skin compared to commercial collagen hydrogels, where uncontrolled cell proliferation leads to material shrinkage. The described human dECM hydrogel is able to be used as scaffold for dermal fibroblasts in a skin aging-on-a-chip model. These results demonstrate that dECM hydrogels preserve essential components of the native human dermis making them a suitable option for the development of 3D skin aging models that accurately represent the cellular microenvironment, improving existing in vitro skin models and allowing for more reliable results in dermatopathological studies.

Investigating Skin Cancer Diagnosis Using a Webcam-based Microcontroller System

Skin cancer can spread fast to nearby tissue and other parts of the human body if it's not diagnosed early. Most are curable only if skin cancer is found and treated in the early stages. Therefore, it's essential to seek a casual way of early diagnosis. This paper assesses a prototype system for skin cancer detection using an Arduino with an ArduCam Mega 5MP, benchmarked against smartphone diagnosis. Bandpass filters capture skin images at red (650 nm), green (532 nm), and blue (450 nm) wavelengths, measuring reflectance values. The approach aims to quantitatively determine skin melanin, oxyhemoglobin, and deoxyhemoglobin levels, aiding in various skin lesions' diagnosis. Evaluation involves comparing pixel reflectance values of images taken by smartphones and the prototype using a 3D mesh grid. Applying the modified Lambert-Beer law to reflectance values of moles, pimples, scars, scabs, and traces predicts relative levels of skin components. The system shows an 87% match with the smartphone standard, demonstrating high reliability. Further study might be needed to clarify the confirmation with clinical cases.

Co-Treatment with Phlorotannin and Extracellular Vesicles from Ecklonia cava Inhibits UV-Induced Melanogenesis.

Hyperpigmentation due to ultraviolet (UV)-induced melanogenesis causes various esthetic problems. Phlorotannin (PT) and extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from various plants suppress melanogenesis pathways. We used UV-exposed keratinocytes and animal skin to determine if co-treatment with PT and EVs from Ecklonia cava (EVE) could inhibit melanogenesis by reducing UV-induced oxidative stress and the expression of the thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP)/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain containing the 3 (NLRP3)/interleukin-18 (IL-18) pathway, which are upstream signals of the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor. UV exposure increased oxidative stress in keratinocytes and animal skin, as evaluated by 8-OHdG expression, and this effect was reduced by co-treatment with PT and EVE. UV also increased binding between NLRP3 and TXNIP, which increased NLRP3 inflammasome activation and IL-18 secretion, and this effect was reduced by co-treatment with PT and EVE in keratinocytes and animal skin. In melanocytes, conditioned media (CM) from UV-exposed keratinocytes increased the expression of melanogenesis-related pathways; however, these effects were reduced with CM from UV-exposed keratinocytes treated with PT and EVE. Similarly, PT and EVE treatment reduced melanogenesis-related signals, melanin content, and increased basement membrane (BM) components in UV-exposed animal skin. Thus, co-treatment with PT and EVE reduced melanogenesis and restored the BM structure by reducing oxidative stress and TXNIP/NLRP3/IL-18 pathway expression.

Characterization of the collagen network of human cheek skin using ultrasonic microscopy

Dermal collagen is the most abundant component of human skin and has a network structure that regulates the mechanical properties of the skin. Therefore, non-invasive characterization of the collagen network would be beneficial for the evaluation of skin conditions. The microscopic substructures of the network, which are individual bundles and fibers, have been optically investigated. However, the macroscopic structure of the collagen network has not been assessed. To evaluate the dermal collagen network, we developed two new indicators, volume filling factor (VFF) and collagen fiber texture (CFT), to analyze three-dimensional echo intensity maps of high-frequency ultrasonic microscopy. By identifying the difference in the elastic modulus components of the dermal layer of facial skin, the density and texture of the collagen network were characterized using VFF and CFT, respectively. These new indicators revealed that the density decreased and the texture became fine with facial age. This study demonstrates that ultrasonic microscopy is useful for investigating skin conditions, paving the way for diagnostic applications in dermatology and aesthetic medicine.

Unveiling the Compositional Analysis of Green Coffee Beans with and without Silver Skin.

Green Coffee Bean (GCB) is covered with silver skin that is shed as a by-product of the roasting process. For the first time, a comparative study was conducted to differentiate the compositional analysis of green coffee beans with silver skin and without silver skin. The study aims comparatively assessing nutritional, anti-nutritional and fatty acids composition of green coffee beans with silver skin and without silver skin. The present study is also intended to find out various organic compounds of green coffee beans. The proximate analysis was used to study nutritional composition. Mineral analysis was assessed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The antinutrients like phytic acid and tannin were assessed by UV-visible spectroscopy whereas volumetric and gravimetric analysis was used to determine oxalates and alkaloids. Gas chromatography and Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy were used for studying fatty acids and organic compounds, respectively. Protein content was significantly (p<0.05) high in green coffee beans with silver skin, indicating 15% higher protein. Macro mineral content was also found significantly (p<0.05 and p<0.01) high in green coffee beans with silver skin, whereby 5.11% higher Phosphorus and 24.12% higher Calcium content was observed. However, iron content was 68.10% lower in green coffee beans with silver skin which might be due to its higher tannin content. Trace minerals zinc and copper were also found to contain 57.18% to 18.11% higher concentrations respectively in silver skin. Anti-nutritional analysis revealed the content of phytic acid and tannin as 161 and 77.29 mg/100g, respectively in green coffee beans with silver skin. The percentages of oxalates and alkaloids were found to be 0.64 and 14.30. These anti-nutritional compounds were significantly (p<0.05 and p<0.01) higher from green coffee beans without silver skin. Green coffee beans have been found with an utmost number of saturated fatty acids having palmitic acid as the most abundant. The unsaturated part is mainly composed of linoleic and oleic acid. Chlorogenic acid isomers and caffeine were the organic compounds detected through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. These findings reveal the presence of both nutritional and anti-nutritional components in Coffee silver skin, with significantly higher levels of anti-nutritional factors in green coffee with silver skin, emphasizing the need for caution in the consumption of green coffee and utilization of coffee silver skin as a valuable bioresource.

Press Conduction Welding for Secondary Bonding of Aircraft Skin/Stiffener Assemblies Using Carbon Fiber/PEKK Thermoplastic Composites and PEI Adhesive.

This study investigates the secondary bonding of aircraft skin/stiffener assemblies using press conduction welding with carbon fiber/polyetherketoneketone thermoplastic composites and polyetherimide adhesive. Recognizing the challenges posed by conventional welding methods in maintaining material integrity and uniformity, this research explores an alternative methodology that mitigates these issues while ensuring high-strength bonds. The press conduction welding parameters were selected based on single-lap shear tests and applied in the bonding of skin and omega stiffener components. The temperature range was determined using differential scanning calorimetry. The pressure was held at 1 MPa for 180 s. The welding temperature that produced a high-bonding strength was identified experimentally; these key variables were then used in the welding process of the skin and omega stiffener. By analyzing how the fibers tear and the effectiveness of interdiffusion between the plies, we were able to gain insights into the bonding strength and fractured surface. The findings suggest that press conduction welding provides a viable route for secondary bonding in thermoplastic composite structures, highlighting its advantages in terms of processing efficiency and integrity. This study contributes to the understanding of the mechanical behaviors of bonded joints and underscores the significance of temperature control in the welding process.

COMBINED EFFECT OF TOPICAL APPLICATION OF VIRGIN COCONUT OIL (VCO) AND BLACK CUMIN OIL (NIGELLA SATIVA) ON THE UPREGULATION OF VEGF GENE EXPRESSION AND WOUND HEALING IN DIABETIC ULCERATED RATS.

Objective: Traditional therapies are increasingly explored as alternative methods for the management of diabetic ulcer. VCO and black cumin oil has attracted attention for its potential therapeutic benefits in promoting skin wound healing.&#x0D; Methods: The rats were induced with one dose diabetes mellitus through the of intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin 55 mg/kg body weight. Furthermore, fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were monitored weekly for assessment. The wound was created using a 10-mm diameter punch biopsy. An experimental methodology was used, comprising the division of 30 rats into six groups, namely control, VCO, black cumin oil, and combinations of VCO and black cumin oil labeled as C1, C2, and C3. The formulated treatments were topically applied to wound for 7 and 14 d. At the end of the treatment, the samples were sacrificed and wound was excised, followed by molecular biological analysis and histopathological examination.&#x0D; Results: On day 7, VEGF gene expression showed the highest increase in the C3 group, with an average of 1.85±0.10. Meanwhile, the highest increase on day 14 was observed in the C3 group, with an average of 1.69±0.11. C3 group treated wounds healed much faster, as indicated by a decreased time of complete epithelization and higher levels of various skin components.&#x0D; Conclusion: The combination of VCO and black cumin oil could be used as an agent to accelerate wound healing in diabetic conditions, as indicated by the increased expression of VEGF gene.

Networks of Nerve Fibers, and Blood and Lymphatic Vessels in the Mouse Auricle: The Structural Basis of Ear Acupuncture.

Ear acupuncture, as a system for treating and preventing diseases through stimulation of points on the auricle, has been systematically introduced during the last 60 years. Although the auricular cartography was described somatotopically as an inverted fetus by Paul Nogier, MD, the underlying mechanism of auricular stimulation remains unclear. The aim of this research was to gain an understanding of the structural basis of auricular stimulation, as well as showing the distribution of the nerve fibers, and the blood and lymphatic vessels. The distribution of nerve fibers, and blood and lymphatic vessels was examined in whole-mount auricular skins of mice by combining the biomarkers protein gene product 9.5, cluster of differentiation 31, and lymphatic-vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 following tissue-clearing treatment with multiple immunofluorescent staining. The labeled nerve fibers, and the blood and lymphatic vessels were distributed extensively in the inner and outer parts of the auricular skin. Auricular nerves aligning with blood vessels ran from the basal region to the peripheral region and crossed over lymphatic vessels, thus forming the neural, vascular, and lymphatic networks. As these are important tissue components of auricular skin, this result implies that the auricular nerve fibers, and blood and lymphatic vessels may coordinate with each other to respond directly to auricular stimulation.

Skin single-cell transcriptomics reveals a core of sebaceous gland-relevant genes shared by mice and humans

BackgroundSingle-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has been widely applied to dissect cellular heterogeneity in normal and diseased skin. Sebaceous glands, essential skin components with established functions in maintaining skin integrity and emerging roles in systemic energy metabolism, have been largely neglected in scRNA-seq studies.MethodsDeparting from mouse and human skin scRNA-seq datasets, we identified gene sets expressed especially in sebaceous glands with the open-source R-package oposSOM.ResultsThe identified gene sets included sebaceous gland-typical genes as Scd3, Mgst1, Cidea, Awat2 and KRT7. Surprisingly, however, there was not a single overlap among the 100 highest, exclusively in sebaceous glands expressed transcripts in mouse and human samples. Notably, both species share a common core of only 25 transcripts, including mitochondrial and peroxisomal genes involved in fatty acid, amino acid, and glucose processing, thus highlighting the intense metabolic rate of this gland.ConclusionsThis study highlights intrinsic differences in sebaceous lipid synthesis between mice and humans, and indicates an important role for peroxisomal processes in this context. Our data also provides attractive starting points for experimentally addressing novel candidates regulating sebaceous gland homeostasis.

Influence of maternal rats' hypothyroidism on morpho-functional peculiarities and glycome of progeny skin.

We studied the influence of maternal hypothyroidism on progeny skin morphogenesis by means of histological, histochemical and lectin-histochemical methods. Hypothyroid conditions in rats were achieved by daily food supplementation with antithyroid drug Mercazolil. The experiment was conducted on 10 control and 10 hypothyroid rats, which delivered 70 and 46 offsprings, respectively. We discovered that maternal hypothyroidism induces the accumulation of mast cells (MCs) in the skin of progeny on the 1st, 10th and 20th postnatal days, with decrease of these cell's count returning to control level on 40th postnatal day. These results indicate that offsprings developing under conditions of maternal hypothyroidism are a risk group for changes in immune status and the occurrence of allergic reactions. The stratum corneum of epidermis, its lipid barrier as well as pilosebaceous units, in both control and experimental group animals, at the early stages of postnatal ontogenesis are enriched with carbohydrate determinants of αDMan, βDGal, βDGal(1-3)DGalNAc, αLFuc, αDGalNAc, αDGlcNAc, Neu5Ac. Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA) is a selective histochemical marker of MCs, while Lactarius torminosus fungus agglutinin (LTFA) is a selective label of Langerhans cells. Maternal hypothyroidism resulted in reduction of lectin binding with the structural components of progeny skin and its derivatives. We speculate that alterations in glycoconjugate processing and degradation sequences have an impact on the cell signaling, formation of adhesive contacts, cellular proliferation and differentiation. The lectin set we used clearly demonstrated specific labeling of cellular subpopulations, monitoring glycoconjugates processing and degradation under physiological and pathological conditions in all skin components.

Transparent multifunctional cellulose-based conductive hydrogel for wearable strain sensors and arrays

Conductive hydrogels as promising candidate materials for flexible strain sensors have gained considerable attentions. However, it is still a great challenge to construct hydrogel with multifunctional performance via natural polymer. Herein, a novel multifunctional conductive hydrogel based on methylcellulose and cellulose nanocrystal was prepared via a facile and low-cost strategy. Methylcellulose (MC) was introduced to not only guarantee the stability of tannic acid coated cellulose nanocrystal (TA@CNCs) in LiCl solution, but also improve anti-freezing ability. The obtained hydrogel exhibited high transparency (98 % at 800 nm), good stretchability (663.1 %), low temperature tolerance (−23.9 °C), superior conductivity (2.89 S/m) and excellent UV shielding behavior. Flexible strain sensor assembled by the prepared hydrogels can be used to detect human body motions include subtle and large motions, and exhibited good sensitivity and stability over a wide temperature range. Multiple flexible hydrogels can also be assembled into a 3D sensor array to detect the distribution and magnitude of spatial pressure. Therefore, the hydrogels prepared via natural polymers will have broad application prospects in wearable devices, electronic skin and multifunctional sensor components.

A Continuous Pressure Positioning Sensor with Flexible Multilayer Structures Based on a Combinatorial Bionic Strategy

AbstractA high‐performance flexible pressure sensor is one of the most important components of electronic skin, which can endow artificial devices with human‐like capabilities. However, the electronic skin usually relies on the arrays of sensors to simultaneously obtain both pressure magnitude and position, making the data processing time‐consuming, tedious, and error‐prone. Here, a novel continuous pressure positioning sensor (PPS) with flexible multilayer structures based on a combinatorial bionic strategy is designed and fabricated. This PPS is composed of the pressure sensing layer (PSL) and the pressure positioning layer (PPL). The PSL exhibits high sensitivity (18.87 kPa−1) owing to the bionic crack structures. Based on the connection/disconnection of the upper and lower conductive layers, this PPL exhibits excellent positioning properties with excellent resolution (≈35 µm). More importantly, due to stable signal change and synchronization of signals between the two functional layers (&gt;21 pa), this PPS can recognize the type of signal. Applications of the PPS for pressure monitoring, tire safety monitoring, lunar rover road condition monitoring, and emotional communication in human–computer interaction are further demonstrated to measure magnitude, position, and recognition of pressure signals. So, it will have broad application prospects in fields such as pressure detection and human–computer interaction.

Skin Lipid Barrier: Structure, Function and Metabolism.

Lipids are important skin components that provide, together with proteins, barrier function of the skin. Keratinocyte terminal differentiation launches unique metabolic changes to lipid metabolism that result in the predominance of ceramides within lipids of the stratum corneum (SC)-the very top portion of the skin. Differentiating keratinocytes form unique ceramides that can be found only in the skin, and generate specialized extracellular structures known as lamellae. Lamellae establish tight hydrophobic layers between dying keratinocytes to protect the body from water loss and also from penetration of allergens and bacteria. Genetic and immunological factors may lead to the failure of keratinocyte terminal differentiation and significantly alter the proportion between SC components. The consequence of such changes is loss or deterioration of skin barrier function that can lead to pathological changes in the skin. This review summarizes our current understanding of the role of lipids in skin barrier function. It also draws attention to the utility of testing SC for lipid and protein biomarkers to predict future onset of allergic skin diseases.

Synchronous Abdominal Wall and Small Bowel Transplantation: Critical Insights at 4-Year Follow-up

AbstractThis 4-year follow-up of synchronous abdominal wall vascular composite allotransplantation (AW-VCA) and small bowel transplantation reveals novel insights and innovations in abdominal wall VCA. The case, involving a 37-year-old male Army veteran, showcases the benefits of AW-VCA in addressing loss of abdominal domain in intestinal transplantation (ITx). The events leading to ultimate rejection of both the AW-VCA and small bowel graft at 4 years highlights the complex interplay between graft survival, patient compliance, and immunosuppressive management. Notably, a significant discordance between AW-VCA and ITx rejection patterns was identified, questioning the reliability of skin components in AW-VCA as early indicators of ITx rejection. Furthermore, the behavior of the vascularized abdominal fascia, observed postexcision of the small bowel graft, offers new understanding of the immunologic response to fascia-only grafts. This follow-up emphasizes the complexities of graft survival, patient compliance, and immunosuppressive management, underscoring the need for ongoing research and innovation in the field.

Bioprinting of Skin Tissues: From Concept to Clinical Applications

3D bioprinting, with its vast potential in therapeutic uses, has evolved into a forefront technique for creating skin tissues. This article delves into a thorough analysis of various aspects of bioprinting skin tissues, including strategies, bioinks, clinical applications, challenges, and future outlooks. Different bioprinting strategies, such as laser-assisted, inkjet-based, and extrusion-based techniques, are explored, each offering unique advantages in crafting complex, lifelike skin structures. The composition and cell-friendly nature of collagen-based bioinks are discussed, underlining their significance in establishing a conducive microenvironment for cell survival and tissue development. Clinical applications, particularly in providing personalized treatments for wound healing using bioprinted skin tissue, are examined. The article also investigates the potential uses of tailored and in vitro bioprinted skin models. Challenges, including achieving optimal printability, vascularization, and innervation of various skin components during the bioprinting process, are addressed. Lastly, the article looks forward to future developments, such as transforming regenerative medicine and merging skin bioprinting with other bioprinting technologies.

Nanucellulose from Tofu Production Waste for Wastewater Treatment

Solid waste from tofu production, also known as okara, has numerous applications and can produce high-value-added products. However, the utilization of okara in Indonesia is not yet significant. This written work proposes okara as a source of nanocellulose to produce wastewater adsorbents in freshwater by fabricating it as aerogels and hydrogels. Wastewater is highly hazardous to the environment and living organisms as it can contain saturated salts, heavy metals, organic compounds, oil emulsions, dyes, and even microbes as pollutants that can lead to various diseases or death. Therefore, research on biosorbents is always a hot topic. Biosorption is the process of binding metal ions into the cellular structure of biological materials. Lignocellulosic biosorbents have high adsorption properties due to their ion exchange capability. Okara biosorbent can increase the absorption capacity of Pb2+ ions by up to 20% compared to conventional absorbents. The soybean skin component could also remove contaminated textile dyes from water. Additionally, the low lignin content in okara makes it easier to utilize than other lignocellulosic materials. This research study also shows that okara-based nanocellulose aerogels can maintain their shape or exhibit full shape recovery properties even after being used repeatedly.

MORPHOGENESIS OF SKIN REGENERATE AND LOCAL FACTORS OF ITS REGULATION

Regeneration of the skin and its derivatives after injuries occurs in one of two ways: cutaneous (restitution) or dermal (substitution). However, there are three healing mechanisms: primary intention, secondary intention and healing by a scab. Regeneration activity correlates with environmental factors, stimulants, compliance with the chronovector of involvement in the cell regenerate of all differon derivatives, involved in histo- and organogenesis in the affected area.&#x0D; The aim of the study is to identify the importance of promoter cells, temperature and Eikovit gel at different stages of thermal burn wound healing, contact dermatitis and wound skin defects and to determine the stage of provisional regenerate transformation into the definitive state.&#x0D; Materials and Methods. The formation of reparative skin regenerate was studied on outbred male mice weighing 25±5 g (n=126). Different injuries to the skin of the back were modelled. All mice were divided into 4 groups: Full-thickness wound, Thermal burn, Contact dermatitis, and Control. Thermal damage was carried out with Tertsik RS232C device (Russia), module area – 1 cm2, exposure time – 3 minutes, and temperature – 80 °C. Contact dermatitis was modeled by rubbing a 0.5 % alcohol-acetone solution of 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (2,4-DNCB) into the skin. The skin wound was cut out using an oval stencil (3×4 mm). We used three temperature modes to influence the developing regenerate: +8 °C (cold), +42 °C (heat), and +33 °C (control). Sampling was conducted on days 3, 7, 10, 14, 20, 30 of the experiment, fixed in 10 % neutral formalin, and embedded in paraffin. Sections were stained with Mayer's hematoxylin and eosin. Immunohistochemistry detected CD1-alpha, CD3, and CD31. Proliferative activity was monitored by Ki-67-positive cells.&#x0D; Results. The convergence chronovector of immunocompetent cells during skin wound healing ensures the restitution of skin components and its derivatives. One of the signs of the correct chronovector direction is the formation of a provisional level substrate and its further transformation into a definitive state. Convergence desynchronosis can lead to dermal healing and substitution.

Identification of peanut skin components for treating hepatocellular carcinoma via network pharmacology and invitro experiments.

Peanut skin (PS) contains various flavonoids and phenols that have antitumor and antioxidant effects. However, no research has been conducted on PS and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, this study sought to explore the potential mechanism of PS in treating HCC. PS was searched for in the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform and SYMMAP databases. HCC targets were searched for in five major databases. Protein-protein interaction network, Gene Ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were performed. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were used for verification. Furthermore, invitro experiments were used to verify the regulation of PS on human HCC (HepG2) cells. Ten ingredients and 95 common targets were identified for PS and HCC, respectively. The key targets of ingredients mainly relate to pathways such as hepatitis B, lipid and atherosclerosis, advanced glycation end products (AGEs)-AGE receptors (RAGEs) signaling pathway in diabetic complications, interleukin-17 (IL-17) signaling pathway, mitogen activated kinase-like protein (MAPK) signaling pathway, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. In addition, the molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation analysis indicated the ingredients had strong binding ability with the targets. Moreover, invitro experiments confirmed that luteolin can promote the apoptosis of HepG2 cells by controlling the expression of phosphorylated protein-tyrosine kinase (p-AKT). This study provides preliminary evidence that PS produces a marked effect in regulating multiple signaling pathways in HCC through multiple ingredients acting on multiple core genes, including AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), MYC, caspase 3 (CASP3), estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), jun proto-oncogene(JUN), and provides the basis for follow-up research to verify the mechanism of action of PS in treating HCC.

Injectable Microparticle-containing hydrogel with controlled release of bioactive molecules for facial rejuvenation

The skin is the largest organ and a crucial barrier for protection against various intrinsic and extrinsic factors. As we age, the skin's components become more vulnerable to damage, forming wrinkles. Among different procedures, hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel has been extensively utilized for skin regeneration and reducing wrinkles. However, it has limitations like low retention and weak mechanical properties. In this study, we suggested the poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) microparticles containing alkaline magnesium hydroxide and nitric oxide-generating zinc oxide and rejuvenative hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels including these functional microparticles and asiaticoside, creating a novel delivery system for skin rejuvenation and regeneration. The fabricated rejuvenative hydrogels have exhibited enhanced biocompatibility, pH neutralization, reactive oxygen species scavenging, collagen biosynthesis, and angiogenesis capabilities in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, an excellent volume retention ability was demonstrated due to the numerous hydrogen bonds that formed between hyaluronic acid and asiaticoside. Overall, our advanced injectable hydrogel containing functional microparticles, with controlled release of bioactive molecules, has a significant potential for enhancing the regeneration and rejuvenation of the skin.

Impact of miconazole nitrate ferrying cationic and anionic nanoemulsion and gels on permeation profiles of across EpiDerm, artificial membrane, and skin: Instrumental evidences

Based on our previous report, the study was extended to investigate the impact of miconazole nitrate (MCN) loaded cationic/anionic nanoemulsions and nanoemulsion gels on permeation behaviour across artificial-membrane, EpiDerm, and rat skin. Nanoemulsions and gels were evaluated for size, charge, viscosity, size-distribution, pH, and percent entrapment efficiency (%EE). In vitro drug diffusion across artificial membrane and EpiDerm were conducted to get diffusion coefficients. Permeation profiles were studied using rat skin to investigate mechanistic insight of formulated mediated permeation followed by CLSM (confocal laser scanning microscopy), SEM (scanning electron microscopy), AFM (atomic force microscopy), and irritation studies. Results showed that MCNE11-Rh (probed cationic nanoemulsion at pH ∼ 7.2) and MNE11-Rh (probed anionic nanoemulsion at pH ∼ 7.2) showed size values of 158 nm and 145 nm, respectively whereas MCNE11-GR (probed cationic nanoemulsion gel at pH ∼ 6.8) and MNE11-GR (probed anionic nanoemulsion gel at pH ∼ 6.8) exhibited size values 257 nm and 243 nm, respectively. The %EE values were found to be as 91.5 % and 89.6 % for MCNE11-Rh and MNE11-Rh, respectively. The gels (∼6000 cP) elicited relatively high viscosity than nanoemulsions (∼3300 – 3500 cP). MCNE11-GR showed the highest values of permeation flux, diffusion rate, diffusion coefficient (D), and permeation coefficient (P) across artificial membrane, EpiDerm, and rat skin which may be attributed to three potential factors (cationic charge, composition, and hydration by the hydrophilic gel) working in tandem. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by the MCNE11-GR was maximum (14.4 g/m2h) than control (6.1 g/m2h) indicating augmented interaction of MCNE11-Rh with skin components. Conclusively, cationic nanoemulsion gel was promising carrier for enhanced permeation and the drug access to the dermal region to treat deep seated fungal infections.