Proanthocyanidin-Driven Multifunctional Injectable Hydrogel as an Effective Skin Dressing for Atopic Dermatitis

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dermatology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Atopic dermatitis (AD) involves skin dryness, infection, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
• Current AD treatments (antibiotics, glucocorticoids) have limitations like drug resistance and side effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a pH/ROS-responsive injectable dual network hydrogel (HCFP) for treating atopic dermatitis (AD).
• To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of HCFP for AD treatment.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized HCFP hydrogel via cross-linking oxidized hyaluronic acid, quaternized chitosan, and proanthocyanidins (PA).
• Assessed hydrogel properties including adhesion, self-healing, and drug penetration.
• Conducted in vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate HCFP's effects on skin barrier, infection, oxidative stress, immune response, and inflammation.

Main Results:

• HCFP hydrogel demonstrated robust adhesion and self-healing, enhancing PA penetration into the stratum corneum.
• HCFP effectively restored skin barrier function, suppressed bacterial infection, and alleviated oxidative stress.
• HCFP significantly reduced inflammation and modulated immune response, outperforming dexamethasone ointment in vivo.

Conclusions:

• The multifunctional HCFP hydrogel possesses antibacterial, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties.
• HCFP shows significant therapeutic potential as a novel dressing for atopic dermatitis treatment.