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Shikonin-Loaded Nanoparticles Attenuate Particulate Matter-Induced Skin Injury by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and
Feifei Huang1, Qinghua Tang1, Ke Wang2
1School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega Centre, No. 280 Waihuan East Road, Panyu District, Guangzhou 510006, China.
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 27, 2025
Summary
Shikonin-loaded nanoparticles (SH-NPs) effectively protect skin from fine particulate matter (PM2.5) damage. These nanoparticles enhance antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, offering a novel strategy for PM2.5-related skin protection.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology and Nanotechnology
- Biomaterials Science
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure significantly damages skin, with limited preventive measures.
- Shikonin, a natural compound, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties but suffers from poor bioavailability.
- Developing effective delivery systems for shikonin is crucial for treating PM2.5-induced skin damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop shikonin-loaded nanoparticles (SH-NPs) to improve shikonin's bioavailability.
- To evaluate the efficacy of SH-NPs in preventing and treating PM2.5-induced skin damage in a mouse model.
Main Methods:
- SH-NPs were synthesized using an emulsion solvent evaporation method.
- Physicochemical properties (particle size, PDI, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, drug loading) were characterized.
- In vitro cellular uptake in HaCaT cells and in vivo effects on PM2.5-exposed mice were assessed.
Main Results:
- SH-NPs demonstrated favorable physicochemical properties (size: 209.03 nm, PDI: 0.064, zeta potential: -17.69 mV, EE: 88%, DL: 5.5%).
- SH-NPs showed enhanced cellular uptake in vitro.
- In vivo, SH-NPs significantly ameliorated PM2.5-induced skin damage by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and collagen degradation.
Conclusions:
- SH-NPs effectively deliver shikonin, enhancing its bioavailability and therapeutic potential.
- SH-NPs offer a promising strategy to combat PM2.5-induced skin toxicity through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-degradation mechanisms.
- This study highlights the potential of nanocarriers for dermatological applications against environmental pollutants.
