Outer Layer Of Skin Research Articles

Biochanin A Attenuates Psoriasiform Inflammation by Regulating Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway Activation and Attenuating Inflammatory Signalling.

Psoriasis is a long-term inflammatory skin condition marked by an overabundance of keratinocytes and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the outer layer of skin. For the comprehensive management of intermediate to advanced psoriasis, innovative biological treatments have been developed. Products for the superficial therapy of mild to moderate psoriasis are still necessary, though. Trifolium pratense contains the isoflavone biochanin A (BCA), which exhibits antiviral, antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties, and helps protect the integrity and function of the endothelium. Although investigations have not shown that BCA is effective in treating psoriasis, it has been shown to slow down the breakdown of the skin barrier by regulating keratinocyte growth. We sought to clarify the basic mechanisms behind BCA's impact on psoriasis in vitro and in vivo using experimental research via regulating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. By subjecting human primary keratinocytes to psoriasis-related cytokines, psoriasis-like keratinocytes were produced. The CCK8 test was used in this investigation to assess cell viability. BCA reduced keratinocyte growth and inflammatory cascade stimulation produced by TNF-α and IL-6, according to in vitro investigations conducted on HaCaT cells. The in vivo findings showed that six days of BCA therapy significantly decreased the skin, hematological indicators, levels of NO, TBARS, histopathological, and pro-inflammatory factors of COX-2, iNOS, NF-κB pathway. It additionally influenced the protein content of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-17, IL-23, IL-1β in the epidermis along with IL-6, TNF-α among the epidermis and serum. In addition, in contrast to the IMQ group, BCA improved the skin's level of Nrf2/HO-1 protein, anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, and antioxidant indicators like SOD, CAT, GST, GSH, GR, and Vit-C. Ultimately, our research shows that BCA was effective in treating psoriasis in pre-clinical animal models by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, leading to an increase in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory markers.

Experimental validation of effective glass transition temperature‐based model for predicting skin thickness in solid‐state microcellular foams

AbstractThe solid‐state foaming process produces microcellular foams with an outer layer of solid skin that encapsulates the cellular core. In this article, we implement a 1D model to predict the thickness of the solid skin based on the effective Tg of the polymer‐gas system for a given foaming temperature. The model is based on the understanding that bubbles nucleate when the foaming temperature exceeds the effective Tg during the foaming process. The model was validated with experimental results on the PC‐CO2 system, which showed that skin thickness decreases with increased foaming temperature. We also developed a linear correlation to accurately predict effective Tg at different CO2 concentrations. The article also explores the model sensitivity to the key input parameters related to gas diffusion.Highlights Linear correlation to accurately predict effective Tg profiles in PC‐CO2 system. Increasing foaming temperature decreases skin thickness. Model is sensitive to the input parameters related to gas diffusion.

Being thin-skinned can still reduce damage from dynamic puncture.

The integumentary system in animals serves as an important line of defence against physiological and mechanical external forces. Over time, integuments have evolved layered structures (scales, cuticle and skin) with high toughness and strength to resist damage and prevent wound expansion. While previous studies have examined their defensive performance under low-rate conditions, the failure response and damage resistance of these thin layers under dynamic biological puncture remain underexplored. Here, we utilize a novel experimental framework to investigate the mechanics of dynamic puncture in both bilayer structures of synthetic tissue-mimicking composite materials and natural skin tissues. Our findings reveal the remarkable efficiency of a thin outer skin layer in reducing the overall extent of dynamic puncture damage. This enhanced damage resistance is governed by interlayer properties through puncture energetics and diminishes in strength at higher puncture rates due to rate-dependent effects in silicone tissue simulants. In addition, natural skin tissues exhibit unique material properties and failure behaviours, leading to superior damage reduction capability compared with synthetic counterparts. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the inherent biomechanical complexity of biological puncture systems with layered composite material structures. They lay the groundwork for future comparative studies and bio-inspired applications.

Catalytic micro-structured ceramic beads and efficacy evaluation through SMX degradation in PMS-activated systems

This study tackles the challenge of applying fine and nano-catalyst particles in Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs), primarily due to the complexities of nanoparticle removal from treated water to prevent secondary nano-hazards. We propose an innovative solution: micro-structured ceramic beads (MSCBs, approximately 3 mm in diameter) with a unique anisotropic pore structure. For the first time, we prepared MSCBs impregnated with cobalt oxide (Co/MSCBs) using a phase-inversion and sintering-assisted process. The Co/MSCBs were investigated for the degradation of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) in the peroxymonosulfate (PMS) induced AOPs system under mild reaction conditions. The effects of operating parameters (e.g., SMX concentration, reaction temperature, and catalyst dosage) in the Co/MSCBs|PMS system were studied on three different types of catalytic ceramic beads: 2Co/MSCB0 (beads with a common isotropic pore structure), 2Co/MSCB1 (beads with radial finger-like microstructures and a denser outer skin-layer), and 2Co/MSCB2 (beads with finger-like microstructures and no outer skin layer). At 20 °C, 2Co/MSCB2 (59.1 %) demonstrated a higher degradation efficiency for 40 mg/L SMX in comparison to 2Co/MSCB1 (54.9 %) and 2Co/MSCB0 (49.6 %). Additionally, it is noteworthy that the sample 2Co/MSCB2, after being used and regenerated, exhibited significantly a higher catalytic performance (70.83 % removal in 20 min during the 16th run) than the fresh one (70.47 % removal in 120 min). After reactions, Co/MSCBs can be readily separated from the bulk solution and used for the next run, making them ideal for practical applications. Furthermore, a radical quenching experiment was conducted, and a plausible catalytic mechanism was proposed. This research presents a new approach for the fabrication of micro-structured ceramic beads that are capable of effectively overcoming the diffusion limitations encountered in both heterogeneous reactions and adsorption processes.

Fabrication and evaluation of gelatin cryogels for curcumin controlled release via transdermal iontophoresis

Transdermal drug delivery system delivers a drug through skin to the desired cells. Its use is limited due to the poor drug diffusion through the outer skin layer. The aim of this work was to fabricate and characterize the gelatin cryogel matrices for the targeted transdermal curcumin delivery via iontophoresis for the breast cancer treatment. The gelatin cryogels were fabricated at various concentrations under the freeze-drying method. FTIR, SEM, STA, and BET were utilized to characterize the gelatin cryogels and curcumin loaded gelatin cryogels. The curcumin release behavior was investigated under the effects of gelatin concentrations, electric fields, pig skin permeation, and pHs. The gelatin cryogel matrices possessed the interconnected pore sizes between 56.61 μm and 129.67 μm, in which the pore size increased with increasing gelatin concentration. The curcumin percentage released from the 1.5%v/v PSG cryogel was 89.7 %, relatively higher than the 0.8%v/v PSG cryogels. Under the effect of electric fields of 3V and 6V, the curcumin release percentages from the 1.5%v/v PSG cryogel were increased to reach 94.7 % and 96.0 %, respectively. For the release-permeation of curcumin through the pig skin, the curcumin release percentages from the 1.5%v/v PSG cryogel under the electric fields of 0V, 3V, and 6V became lower at 38.45 %, 46.33 %, and 72.33 %, respectively, as the pig skin was the obstacle in the curcumin diffusion. Slightly higher release rates and amounts of curcumin from the 1.5%v/v PSG cryogel were observed at the of pH 5.5 relative to the pH of 7.4, and at the electric field of 6V relative to 0V. The effect of applied electric field was shown to shorten the delivery time from the PSG cryogel. The 1.5%v/v PSG cryogel under applied electric field 6V was shown here as a potential biobased matrix to be used in the curcumin transdermal delivery via iontophoresis for cancer treatment.

Enhancing Skin Cancer Detection Through Deep Learning Techniques

Skin cancer is a common and possibly deadly disease that affects the skin's outer layers. Promoting knowledge of skin cancer, its risk factors, and the need for early detection can help combat the illness and reduce its impact on individuals and communities around the world. In this project, we describe a novel use of deep learning techniques to detect skin cancer in its early stages using dermatoscopic images. The primary goal of this study is to create an accurate and reliable model for predicting various types of skin cancer, including actinic keratoses and intraepithelial carcinoma (akiec), basal cell carcinoma (bcc), benign keratosis-like lesions (bkl), dermatofibroma (df), melanoma (mel), melanocytic nevi (nv), and pyogenic granulomas and hemorrhage (vasc). The project is written in Python, and the primary algorithm/model used is the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architecture. CNNs are ideal for image classification jobs because they can automatically learn relevant characteristics from input. Using CNNs, our model is trained on the HAM10000 (Human Against Machine with 10,000 training images) dataset, which contains 10015 high-resolution dermatoscopic images obtained from distinct populations and acquired via multiple modalities. The achieved findings illustrate the effectiveness of our proposed method. The model had an amazing training accuracy of 96.00% and a validation accuracy of 97.00%. These high accuracy rates demonstrate the promise of our deep learning-based skin cancer prediction system as a trustworthy tool for early diagnosis, allowing healthcare practitioners to make more informed decisions and improve patient outcomes. Our effort contributes to the field of dermatological research and machine learning, providing valuable insights into the use of deep learning algorithms for skin cancer prediction. Furthermore, the publicly available HAM10000 dataset, which includes a wide range of dermatoscopic pictures, can be a great resource for academic study and future advances in the field of medical image processing and classification. Key Words– benign, CNN, early detection, skin cancer, machine learning

A novel shockwave-driven nano-motor composite microneedle transdermal delivery system for the localized treatment of osteoporosis: a basic science study.

Clinical protocols in osteoporosis treatment could not meet the requirement of increasing local bone mineral density. A local delivery system was brought in to fix this dilemma. The high-energy extracorporeal shock wave (ESW) can travel into the deep tissues with little heat loss. Hence, ESW-driven nanoparticles could be used for local treatment of osteoporosis. An extracorporeal shock wave (ESW)--actuated nanomotor (NM) sealed into microneedles (MN) (ESW-NM-MN) was constructed for localized osteoporosis protection. The NM was made of calcium phosphate nanoparticles with a high Young's modulus, which allows it to absorb ESW energy efficiently and convert it into kinetic energy for solid tissue penetration. Zoledronic (ZOL), as an alternative phosphorus source, forms the backbone of the NM (ZOL-NM), leading to bone targeting and ESW-mediated drug release. After the ZOL-NM is sealed into hyaluronic acid (HA)--made microneedles, the soluble MN tips could break through the stratum corneum, injecting the ZOL-NM into the skin. As soon as the ESW was applied, the ZOL-NM would absorb the ESW energy to move from the outer layer of skin into the deep tissue and be fragmented to release ZOL and Ca2+ for anti-osteoclastogenesis and pro-osteogenesis. In vivo, the ZOL-NM increases localized bone parameters and reduces fracture risk, indicating its potential value in osteoporotic healing and other biomedical fields. The ESW-mediated transdermal delivery platform (ESW-NM-MN) could be used as a new strategy to improve local BMD and protect local prone-fracture areas.

Dynamics and Epigenetics of the Epidermal Differentiation Complex.

Epidermis is the outer skin layer built of specialized cells called keratinocytes. Keratinocytes undergo a unique differentiation process, also known as cornification, during which their gene expression pattern, morphology and other properties change remarkably to the effect that the terminally differentiated, cornified cells can form a physical barrier, which separates the underlying tissues from the environment. Many genes encoding proteins that are important for epidermal barrier formation are located in a gene cluster called epidermal differentiation complex (EDC). Recent data provided valuable information on the dynamics of the EDC locus and the network of interactions between EDC gene promoters, enhancers and other regions, during keratinocytes differentiation. These data, together with results concerning changes in epigenetic modifications, provide a valuable insight into the mode of regulation of EDC gene expression.

Limits of Detection of Topically Applied Products in the Skin Using In Vivo Raman Spectroscopy.

We have developed a method to determine the limit of detection (LoD) for quantitative measurement of exogenous analytes in the outer layer of the human skin by in vivo confocal Raman spectroscopy. The method is in accordance with the guidelines of the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use that have been adopted by regulatory authorities such as the American Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency. The method can be applied in silico so that the limit of detection can be assessed before starting a skin penetration study, for example, in areas of pharmaceutical formulation, pharmacokinetics, or toxicokinetics. This can significantly reduce the need for expensive and time-consuming feasibility studies. This paper describes the method to calculate this LoD as well as the experimental and methodological factors that can influence the calculation of the LoD.

Collagen Induces Anisotropy in Fingertip Subcutaneous Tissues During Contact.

The subcutaneous mechanical response of the fingertip is highly anisotropic due to the presence of a network of collagen fibers linking the outer skin layer to the bone. The impact of this anisotropy on the fingerpad deformation, which had not been studied until now, is here demonstrated using a two-dimensional finite element model of a transverse sectionof the finger. Different distributions of fiber orientations are considered: radial (physiologic), circumferential, and random (isotropic). The three variants of the model are assessed using experimental observations of a finger pressed on a flat surface. Predictions relying on the physiological orientation of fibers best reproduce experimental trends. Our results show that the orientation of fibers significantly influences the distribution of internal strains and stresses. This leads to a sudden change in the profile of contact pressure when transitioning from sticking to slipping. Interpreted in terms of tactile perception or sensation, these variations might represent important sensory cues for partial slip detection. This is also valuable information for the development of haptic devices.

Hollow fiber PSF fine porous supports with ultrahigh permeance for composite membrane fabrication: Novel inert bore liquid (IBL) spinning technique

The development of high-performance thin-film composite (TFC) hollow fiber membranes coated on top of porous supports is a hot topic both in industry and in science. However, it has been documented in recent literature that a porous support can hinder mass transfer through a composite membrane. Taking this into account, ultra-high permeable polysulfone (PSF) hollow fiber supports with an outer porous skin layer suitable for the fabrication of composite membranes were developed in this work. To address this ambitious challenge, the concept of spinning with an inert bore liquid (IBL) using wet air gap conditions was developed and successfully implemented. While the external non-solvent (water) ensures the formation of a thin porous skin layer, the inert bore liquid makes it possible to implement two important conditions for the formation of macropores on the lumen side of the hollow fiber: i) the coagulant enters only from the outer side of the dope solution layer, ii) there is no noticeable transport of the dope solution components into the inert bore liquid and vice versa. The following alkanes were studied as the IBL: pentane, hexane, heptane, and iso-octane. For example, using hexane and heptane as the bore liquids, PSF hollow fiber supports with high values of CO2 gas permeance, namely 20400 and 36700 GPU, respectively, were achieved. These values are an order of magnitude larger than the permeance of similar PSF supports reported in the literature. The presence of macropores on the lumen side of these hollow fibers was demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy. Composite membranes with a selective layer of polydecylmethylsiloxane (PDecMS) were coated and the separation of an eight-component mixture of C1-C4 hydrocarbons in a hollow fiber module was studied. Using a modified resistance model, it was shown that the absence of a skin layer on the lumen side of the hollow fiber reduced the support resistance and increased the contribution of the PDecMS selective layer to the total resistance of the composite membrane (for N2 and CO2: from 11.3% to 21.2 % and from 13 % to 20.5 %, respectively).

Effect of Addition a Sodium Deoxycholate as an Edge Activator -for Preparation of Ondansetron HCl Tansfersomal Dispersion

In ordinary clinical practice, poor patient compliance with oral and parenteral drug administration modalities is a prevalent problem. As a result, pharmaceutical research has developed a strong interest in the transdermal route of drug delivery.
 They are non-invasive that can improve patient compliance, however, The barrier function of the skin's top layer presents the biggest challenge for transdermal delivery systems. Transfersomes are vesicles composed of phospholipids and edge activators, used to transport drug from outer skin layer into the systematic circulation through semipermeable membrane. Ondansetron is an anti-emetic medication that has been given parenterally and orally. Formulating this medication as transdermal transfersomes may provoke a great advantage in medical adherence.
 Conclusion; Ondansetron has been successfully delivered transdermally by Using a transfersomal gel formulation by vortexing sonication method.

Chemopreventive Measurements and Oxidative Stress Effects of Terpenoid-rich Canarium odontophyllum Miq. Leaf Extract (TRCO) in Ultraviolet B-Induced In-Vitro Skin Carcinogenesis Model

The most common type of cancer found in the human outer and middle skin layers is keratinocyte carcinoma, often known as non-melanoma skin cancer. Although it can be aggressive, skin cancer is generally not fatal. This study aims to measure the chemopreventive and oxidative stress effects of terpenoid-rich Canarium odontophyllum Miq.’s leaf extract (TRCO) in the UVB-induced skin carcinogenesis model. The model involving human keratinocytes (HaCaT) was adapted with optimisations with pretreatment of 500 µg/ml TRCO (TRCO500) & 1000 µg/ml TRCO (TRCO1000). The HaCaT oncogenic transformation model's repetitive UVB exposure resulted in altered cell shape, according to our findings. Pretreatment of TRCO1000 significantly reduced tumour protein p53 (TP53) and marker of proliferation KI-67 (KI67) expression in UVB-induced HaCaT. Treatment with TRCO resulted in an overall reduction in oxidative stress. TRCO pretreatment showed reduced lipid peroxides, LPO and significantly reduced protein carbonyls. In conclusion, the promising results of this chemopreventive study using TRCO on this in-vitro skin carcinogenesis model suggested that it is worthwhile to conduct further isolations and assessments of terpenoids from C. odontophyllum Miq. leaf as a possible chemoprevention agent.

Preventing, assessing and treating skin tears.

Skin tears are acute wounds caused by mechanical forces resulting in the separation of the skin's outer layers. Skin tears are more likely to occur in vulnerable people such as older people and people with neurodegenerative conditions. Rising life expectancy means that the number of patients with skin tears is expected to increase. This article describes the characteristics of skin tears, details the risk factors for skin tears and explains the importance of using a holistic, evidence-based and person-centred approach to skin tear prevention, assessment and treatment. The article outlines the crucial role of nurses as part of the multidisciplinary team in the management of skin tears.

In-Situ Generation of H2O2 from Bismuth Telluride (Bi2Te3) Cubes for Instant Hand Sanitizer

COVID-19 was discovered in Hubei Province, China in December 2019. According to World Health Organization reports, on December 2, 2022, this disease spreads to at least 200 countries, infecting more than 640 million people which raised beyond 6 million deaths globally. Efforts are being made to alleviate the number of COVID cases by development of vaccines. As per WHO guidelines, the community should follow some precautions even after taking vaccine, such as physical distancing, wearing a mask, avoiding crowds, and regularly sanitizing hands. Hand sanitization is recognized as the most effective way to prevent the spreading of infectious diseases (such as COVID-19). So, hand sanitizer has become one of the most sought-after products in the world. Mostly hand sanitizer contains alcohol (more than 60%) which damages the outer layer of skin and kills both harmful as well as protective microbes present on skin. To overcome these issues, Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) can be considered as an alternative choice having excellent antibacterial action against a wide range of microorganisms without harming the skin. So, we demonstrated repeatedly generation of H2O2 by placing bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) cubes in sanitizer bottle filled with hot water (100 oC) from water dispenser. H2O2 is one the most stable radicals as compared to other reactive oxygen species (ROS). Even after 12 hours, H2O2 is still exists in the sanitizer bottle which is examined by fluorescence spectroscopy. 5 sprays of H2O2 show 100% antibacterial activity for E.Coli survival rate as compared to 75% ethanol sanitizer. This study demonstrated Bi2Te3 cubes for repeatedly generation of H2O2 as instant sanitizer via hot water from water dispenser which can be convenient to maintain hygiene and to prevent from infectious diseases such as COVID-19.

Attenuation range of particle radiations (alpha and beta) in human skin by Monte Carlo simulation

Particle radiations such as alpha and beta particles are more hazardous to humans than photons because of their higher linear energy transfer (LET). It is important to analyze the profile of particle radiations when interact with human skin. It is generally said that α particles can be stopped by a piece of paper while β rays can be stopped by an aluminum plate. A Monte Carlo simulation (PHITS code) is used for determining the attenuation and range of commonly available alpha (Po-210, Po-214, Am-241) and beta sources (Y-90) in human skin. These particle radiations were set at the surface of several materials such as skin, paper, water, aluminium and air to see their distribution within the materials. The PHITS code outputs were verified by comparing it with other literature for its range in air. Results showed that alpha particles barely pass through the outer layer of dead human skin and definitely can be stopped by a piece of paper. From the particle trajectory output, fluence of α particles from Po-210, Po-214, and Am-241 are completely stopped at 0.005 cm, 0.009 cm, and 0.012 cm in a paper, respectively, with no secondary particles are generated. On the other hand, beta particles would easily penetrate human skin and its range in human skin is ~0.8 cm for Y-90, while it would stop at ~0.3 cm in aluminium. In conclusion, based on these simulations, it was found that this study had justified the common sense on the shielding for the particle by using paper for alpha and aluminium for beta particle as a function of particle energy. Calculation with PHITS can be used for range calculation of various radiation types, including neutron and proton particles.

A Neuromuscular Electrotherapy Device Based on Arduino System

One form of electrophysiological therapy, low frequency impulse electrotherapy, makes use of electrical impulses of very low voltage and frequency. The low frequency impulsed current affects the skin's outer layer, causing an electrolytic effect and a powerful stimulation of nerves, which in turn activates the nerves, improves local blood circulation, and, most importantly, provides analgesia. The frequency, time, waveform, and duty cycle of the electrical pulse have a significant impact on the efficacy of low frequency impulse therapy. The design is built on an Arduino UNO development board, with five additional buttons and LED beads for display. Electrotherapy impulses of varying frequencies and duty ratios can be generated by pushing the correct button, and the device can be preconfigured to provide high, medium, or low levels of stimulation. Then, two amplifier circuits send the electrotherapy impulses to two electrodes that are placed on the skin's surface.

Chitosan and Aloe Vera decorated nanoparticulate system loaded with Minoxidil as a suggested topical formulation for alopecia therapy

Minoxidil (Mxd) is a common medication used for hair regrowth in patients exhibiting different types of alopecia, especially androgenetic alopecia (AGA), but it has some negative aspects such as causing adverse effects and having limited permeation through the outer skin layers. In this study, minoxidil was encapsulated into niosomes and then loaded into chitosan nanoparticles and Aloe vera for creating a nanocomposite (Cs@Alo/Nio-Mxd), which will be used as a topical formulation to overcome these difficulties. The various prepared samples were physico-chemically characterised by their loading efficiency, TEM, SEM, zeta potential, FTIR and in vitro release profiles. The hair growth potential of the prepared formulations was evaluated by an in vivo study using rats with induced alopecia. Thirty-six rats with induced alopecia were randomised into six groups of six rats each. Group 1 (Negative control): rats served as normal and were treated with normal saline, Group 2: rats were treated with topical application of empty nanocomposites. Group 3 (Positive control): rats were treated with topical application of 5% Mxd, Group 4: rats were treated with topical application of (Cs-Mxd NPs), Group 5: rats were treated with topical application of (Cs@Alo-Mxd NPs). Group 6: rats were treated with topical application of (Cs@Alo/Nio-Mxd) nanocomposite. All formulations were applied once daily for 21 days. The treated skin was observed, photographed, and its histological features were examined. Results specified that Cs@Alo/Nio-Mxd nanocomposite could be preferentially deposited into the hair follicles, causing a significant increase (p < 0.05) in skin thickness, total hair follicle number per field, hair follicle diameter, hypodermis hair follicle number and anagen induction percentage.

Microneedle-assisted transdermal delivery of nanoparticles: Recent insights and prospects.

Transdermal delivery of drugs offers an interesting alternative for the administration of molecules that present certain troubles when delivered by the oral route. It can produce systemic effects or perform a local action when the formulation exerts an optimal controlled drug release or a targeted delivery to the specific cell type or site. It also avoids several inconveniences of the oral administration such as the hepatic first pass effect, gastric pH-induced hydrolysis, drug malabsorption because of certain diseases or surgeries, and unpleasant organoleptic properties. Nanomedicine and microneedle array patches (MAPs) are two of the trendiest delivery systems applied to transdermal research nowadays. However, the skin is a protective barrier and nanoparticles (NPs) cannot pass through the intact stratum corneum. The association of NPs and MAPs (NPs@MAPs) work synergistically, since MAPs assist NPs to bypass the outer skin layers, and NPs contribute to the system providing controlled drug release and targeted delivery. Vaccination and tailored therapies have been proposed as fields where both NPs and MAPs have great potential due to inherent characteristics. MAPs conception and easy use could allow self-administration and therefore facilitate mass vaccination campaigns in undeveloped areas with weak healthcare services. Additionally, nanomedicine is being explored as a platform to personalize therapies in such an important field as oncology. In this work we show recent insights that prove the benefits of NPs@MAPs association and analyze the prospects and the discrete interest of the industry in NPs@MAPs, evaluating different limiting steps that restricts NPs@MAPs translation to the clinical practice. This article is categorized under: Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > NA Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > NA.

CYSRT1: An Antimicrobial Epidermal Protein that Can Interact with Late Cornified Envelope Proteins

Late cornified envelope (LCE) proteins are small cationic epidermal proteins with antimicrobial properties, and the combined deletion of LCE3B and LCE3C genes is a risk factor for psoriasis that affects skin microbiome composition. In a yeast two-hybrid screen, we identified CYSRT1 as an interacting partner of members of all LCE groups except LCE6. These interactions were confirmed in a mammalian cell system by coimmunoprecipitation. CYSRT1 is a protein of unknown function that is specifically expressed in cutaneous and oral epithelia and spatially colocalizes with LCE proteins in the upper layers of the suprabasal epidermis. Constitutive CYSRT1 expression is present in fully differentiated epidermis and can be further induced invivo by disruption of the skin barrier upon stratum corneum removal. Transcriptional regulation correlates to keratinocyte terminal differentiation but not to skin bacteria exposure. Similar to LCEs, CYSRT1 was found to have antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Comparative gene sequence analysis and protein amino acid alignment indicate that CYSRT1 is highly conserved among vertebrates and has putative antimicrobial activity. To summarize, we identified CYSRT1 in the outer skin layer, where it colocalizes with LCE proteins and contributes to the constitutive epidermal antimicrobial host defense repertoire.