Polysaccharide-based self-assembled hemp seed oil nanoemulgel ameliorates skin inflammation in a psoriasis mouse...

Nanoemulgels are hydrocolloid-based structured systems that integrate nanoemulsions into polymeric gel networks, thereby enhancing dispersion stability, interfacial integrity, and functional performance. Hemp seed oil (HSO), rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and γ-linolenic acid, represents a valuable lipid phase for the development of functional oil-based delivery systems. In this study, an HSO nanoemulsion (HSO-NE) and a hydrocolloid-based nanoemulgel (HSO-NE gel) were developed using a polymer matrix, and their physicochemical and structural properties were systematically investigated. Incorporation of nanoemulsion into the hydrocolloid gel network resulted in a modest increase in droplet size and polydispersity index, while inducing a pronounced increase in negative zeta potential (from -39.60 to -67.37 mV), indicating enhanced electrostatic stabilization and resistance to droplet aggregation. FTIR and TEM analyses confirmed that the hydrocolloid network physically entrapped the nanoemulsion droplets without disrupting interfacial integrity or lipid structure. As a functional validation model, the hydrocolloid-based HSO-NE gel was evaluated in an imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like mouse model. Topical application of the nanoemulgel significantly attenuated inflammatory responses, accompanied by downregulation of cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and NF-κB signaling pathways. Collectively, this study demonstrates that hydrocolloid-based nanoemulgels represent an effective strategy for stabilizing oil-in-water nanoemulsions while preserving the functional properties of hemp seed oil, highlighting their potential as structured delivery systems for bioactive lipids.