Development and Preclinical Evaluation of a Copper-Based Acidic Hydrogel for Atopic Dermatitis

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Materials Science
• Microbiology

Background:

• Atopic dermatitis (AD) is characterized by a compromised skin barrier, elevated skin pH, and increased Staphylococcus aureus colonization.
• Restoring acidic skin pH and controlling microbial overgrowth are key non-steroidal therapeutic strategies for AD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel copper-based acidic hydrogel for its properties, antimicrobial efficacy, and safety.
• To assess the hydrogel's potential as a non-steroidal treatment for atopic dermatitis.

Main Methods:

• A copper-based acidic hydrogel (pH ~3.2) was formulated using basic copper carbonate, acetic acid, and xanthan gum.
• Characterization included rheology, stability testing, antimicrobial activity assays against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans, efficacy studies in AD-like mice, and dermal safety tests in rabbits.

Main Results:

• The hydrogel demonstrated excellent stability and gel-like properties.
• It exhibited rapid and potent broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, eradicating >99.6% of tested pathogens within 10 minutes.
• In vivo studies showed dose-dependent reduction in AD-like lesions, ear swelling, and inflammation, with only mild, reversible irritation in rabbits.

Conclusions:

• The copper-based acidic hydrogel possesses significant antimicrobial properties and effectively ameliorates AD-like skin conditions.
• Its favorable short-term safety profile supports its further development as a non-steroidal topical treatment for atopic dermatitis.