Innovative Solid Lipid Nanoparticle-Enriched Hydrogels for Enhanced Topical Delivery of L-Glutathione: A Novel Approach to Anti-Ageing
<b>Background:</b> Skin ageing, driven predominantly by oxidative stress from reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by environmental factors like ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation, accounts for approximately 80% of extrinsic skin damage. L-glutathione (GSH), a potent antioxidant, holds promi...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Pharmaceutics |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/17/1/4 |
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| Summary: | <b>Background:</b> Skin ageing, driven predominantly by oxidative stress from reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by environmental factors like ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation, accounts for approximately 80% of extrinsic skin damage. L-glutathione (GSH), a potent antioxidant, holds promise in combating UVA-induced oxidative stress. However, its instability and limited penetration through the stratum corneum hinder its topical application. This study introduces a novel solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN)-enriched hydrogel designed to enhance GSH stability, skin penetration, and sustained release for anti-ageing applications. <b>Methods:</b> GSH-loaded SLNs were prepared via a double-emulsion technique and optimized using factorial design. These SLNs were incorporated into 1–3% (<i>w</i>/<i>v</i>) Carbopol hydrogels to produce a semi-solid formulation. The hydrogel’s characteristics, including morphology, mechanical and rheological properties, drug release, stability, antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity, and skin penetration, were evaluated. <b>Results:</b> SEM and FTIR confirmed the uniform dispersion of SLNs within the hydrogel. The formulation exhibited desirable properties, including gel strength (5.1 ± 0.5 g), spreadability (33.6 ± 1.9 g·s), pseudoplasticity, and elasticity. In vitro studies revealed a biphasic GSH release profile, with sustained release over 72 h and over 70% cumulative release. The hydrogel significantly improved antioxidant capacity, protecting human fibroblasts from UVA-induced oxidative stress and enhancing cell viability. Stability studies indicated that 4 °C was optimal for storage over three months. Notably, the hydrogel enhanced GSH penetration through the stratum corneum by 3.7-fold. <b>Conclusions:</b> This SLN-enriched hydrogel effectively improves GSH topical delivery and antioxidant efficacy, providing a promising platform for anti-ageing and other bioactive compounds with similar delivery challenges. |
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| ISSN: | 1999-4923 |