Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2025
08:31
Porous Silicon Microparticles for Delivery of siRNA Therapeutics
Published on: January 15, 2015
11.0K
Drug Delivery through Epidermal Tissue Cells by Functionalized Biosilica from Diatom Microalgae.
Danilo Vona1, Annarita Flemma1, Francesca Piccapane2
1Chemistry Department, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Via Orabona 4, I-70126 Bari, Italy.
Marine Drugs
|August 25, 2023
Summary
Diatomaceous earth functionalized with octyl chains efficiently delivers the anti-inflammatory drug Naproxen to skin tissues. This biocompatible material controls drug release and permeation, showing promise for skin disease therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Diatomaceous earth (DE), derived from diatom microalgae biosilica shells, is abundant, low-cost, and possesses desirable properties like high surface area and mesoporosity.
- DE's surface can be chemically modified, making it a promising nanostructured material for drug delivery.
- Current research primarily focuses on oral or parenteral drug delivery systems using DE, with limited exploration for topical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of surface-functionalized diatomaceous earth as a local drug delivery system for skin tissues.
- To evaluate the controlled release and trans-epidermal permeation of Naproxen from octyl chain-modified DE.
- To assess the biocompatibility of the DE-based drug delivery system with human skin.
Main Methods:
- Functionalization of diatomaceous earth with n-octyl chains.
- Loading of Naproxen (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) onto the functionalized DE.
- In vitro drug release studies using artificial sweat solution.
- Trans-epidermal drug permeation experiments using a 3D-organotypic skin tissue model.
- Assessment of human epithelial cell viability post-drug permeation.
Main Results:
- Octyl chain functionalization enhanced DE adhesion to porcine skin tissues.
- The functionalized DE demonstrated controlled gradual release and trans-epidermal permeation of Naproxen over 24 hours.
- Human epithelial cells remained viable after exposure to the released drug, confirming biocompatibility.
- The mesoporous biosilica from diatoms and Naproxen showed biocompatibility with human skin.
Conclusions:
- Surface-functionalized diatomaceous earth is an effective system for local drug delivery to skin.
- The octyl chains play a crucial role in controlling drug adhesion, release, and permeation.
- This DE-based system offers a biocompatible and promising approach for treating skin diseases.
