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 Staphylococcus aureus overgrowth.
• Restoring acidic skin pH and managing microbial overgrowth are key non-steroidal therapeutic strategies for AD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a novel copper-based acidic hydrogel.
• To evaluate the hydrogel's antimicrobial activity, efficacy in an AD model, and dermal safety.

Main Methods:

• A copper ion hydrogel (0.115% copper) was formulated at pH ~3.2 using basic copper carbonate, acetic acid, and xanthan gum.
• Antimicrobial activity was tested against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans.
• Efficacy was assessed in DNFB-induced AD-like mice, and safety was evaluated in rabbits.

Main Results:

• The hydrogel demonstrated excellent stability and gel-like properties.
• It achieved rapid and potent killing of tested pathogens (>98% in 5 min).
• In mice, the hydrogel significantly reduced dermatitis, swelling, and inflammation; rabbits showed only mild, reversible irritation.

Conclusions:

• The copper-based acidic hydrogel possesses strong antimicrobial properties and effectively ameliorates AD-like skin lesions.
• It presents a favorable short-term safety profile, indicating potential as a non-steroidal topical treatment for atopic dermatitis.