Review
Polymer Science
Martin Juhascik, Andrej Kovacik, Gloria Huerta-Angeles
Summary: Hyaluronan (HA) plays a crucial role in maintaining skin health, studying skin inflammatory diseases, and delivering skin drugs, with the molecular size being a significant factor in mechanisms and interactions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Takayuki Imoto, Masahiro Goto
Summary: The study analyzed the self-assembled structure of Pal-GH and confirmed its effectiveness as a permeation enhancer, finding that it does not disrupt the skin structure when permeating the stratum corneum.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ekaterina P. Vasyuchenko, Philipp S. Orekhov, Grigoriy A. Armeev, Marine E. Bozdaganyan
Summary: The cutaneous delivery route is increasingly common for drug administration, with the use of chemical penetration enhancers (CPEs) to facilitate drug transport through skin layers. The creation of a CPE-DB database allows for the classification and identification of new enhancers, as well as the prediction of biological activity using machine-learning applications.
Article
Biophysics
Christopher A. Berkey, Cassandra Styke, Hiroki Yoshitake, Yoshihiko Sonoki, Masayuki Uchiyama, Reinhold H. Dauskardt
Summary: This study evaluates micron-sized carbon dioxide bubbles in a foamed moisturizing formulation as a mechanical penetration enhancement strategy. The results show that moisturizing foam bubbles enhance the penetration of the formulation by increasing the hydrodynamic pressure in the liquid layer adjacent to the skin surface, leading to a significant increase in the concentration of the treatment in the skin.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mohammad Alhibah, Marius Kroeger, Sabine Schanzer, Loris Busch, Juergen Lademann, Ingeborg Beckers, Martina C. Meinke, Maxim E. Darvin
Summary: Understanding the penetration depth and pathways of drugs and cosmetics into the skin is important for drug delivery and cosmetic safety. In this study, TPT-FLIM was used to visualize the skin structure and study the penetration depths of different substances. The results showed that the fluorescence lifetime is the most appropriate parameter for building penetration profiles.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
M. Alice Maciel Tabosa, Pauline Vitry, Panagiota Zarmpi, Annette L. Bunge, Natalie A. Belsey, Dimitrios Tsikritsis, Timothy J. Woodman, K. A. Jane White, M. Begona Delgado-Charro, Richard H. Guy
Summary: The evaluation of drug bioavailability in the skin requires quantitative and non-invasive experimental tools. In this study, infrared and Raman spectroscopies were used to assess the uptake of a chemical into the stratum corneum. Experiments on excised porcine skin showed good correlations between spectroscopic results and chemical quantification using the tape-stripping method. The spectroscopic approach can potentially be used to investigate chemical disposition deeper in the skin.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nichola J. Starr, Mohammed H. Khan, Max K. Edney, Gustavo F. Trindade, Stefanie Kern, Alexander Pirkl, Matthias Kleine-Boymann, Christopher Elms, Mark M. O'Mahony, Mike Bell, Morgan R. Alexander, David J. Scurr
Summary: In this study, the 3D OrbiSIMS technique was used to analyze the molecular chemistry of human skin tissue and provide unprecedented details about the nonhomogeneity of the stratum corneum. The analysis resolved debates about chemical gradients within the epidermis and revealed similarities in epidermal compounds between human and porcine skin. Additionally, the study demonstrated the permeation of an antiaging peptide into the human stratum corneum.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joke A. Bouwstra, Andreea Nadaban, Wim Bras, Clare McCabe, Annette Bunge, Gerrit S. Gooris
Summary: The barrier function of the skin is primarily located in the outermost layer called stratum corneum (SC), which contains lipid lamellae that play a crucial role in permeation of compounds. Analyzing the lipid composition is essential in understanding the skin barrier function and its impairment in inflammatory skin diseases.
PROGRESS IN LIPID RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Zachary W. Lipsky, Marisa Patsy, Claudia N. H. Marques, Guy K. German
Summary: In atopic dermatitis (AD), the deficiency of skin lipids leads to the penetration of Staphylococcus aureus through the outermost layer of human skin, resulting in tissue degradation and potentially acting as an inflammatory trigger. Bacterial permeation may also explain the increased tissue fragility and lesion formation in AD patients, further enhancing bacterial permeability across the stratum corneum and the development of chronic conditions.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Sebastien Gregoire, Pham Dang Man, Aurelie Maudet, Mathieu Le Tertre, Nocairi Hicham, Frederique Changey, Boix-Segura Gaelle, Christian Tran, Vesperini Laurence
Summary: The ELISA method for measuring HA in SC samples was validated through ex vivo experiments, which provided recommendations for cleansing and sampling methods in the clinical study. The clinical study demonstrated the diffusion, accumulation, and maintenance of HA levels in the SC after repeated application of the formulation containing HMW-HA and LMW-HA.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL AND BIOMEDICAL ANALYSIS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Claudio Malnati, Daniel Fehr, Fabrizio Spano, Mathias Bonmarin
Summary: The research suggests that skin capacitance decreases at high hydration levels, emphasizing the importance of variations in stratum corneum thickness for hydration monitoring. Additionally, the sensitivity to stratum corneum hydration levels is influenced by the electrode's geometry and dimensions, with conductance electrodes being more affected by changes in dimension than capacitance electrodes.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Abdul Ahad, Mohammad Raish, Yousef A. Bin Jardan, Abdullah M. Al-Mohizea, Fahad I. Al-Jenoobi
Summary: Insulin is commonly delivered through subcutaneous injections for the treatment of diabetes, which can be invasive and hinder patient compliance. Transdermal delivery methods, such as microneedles and patches, offer advantages including prolonged drug release and improved patient adherence. Research in transdermal insulin delivery is ongoing, and it is expected that these systems may soon be introduced in clinical practice.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mariola M. Blaszczyk, Jerzy P. Sek
Summary: Nanoparticles are efficient carriers of medicals, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. This study proposes a new model to predict the transport of nanoparticles through the stratum corneum. The modeling of diffusion processes of nanoparticles in a capillary provides an efficient approach to determine the transport phenomena through the skin layer.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Arya Kadukkattil Ramanunny, Sheetu Wadhwa, Monica Gulati, Sachin Kumar Singh, Bhupinder Kapoor, Harish Dureja, Dinesh Kumar Chellappan, Krishnan Anand, Kamal Dua, Rubiya Khursheed, Ankit Awasthi, Rajan Kumar, Jaskiran Kaur, Leander Corrie, Narendra Kumar Pandey
Summary: Skin diseases are a significant burden on the global economy and affect patients' quality of life. Traditional treatment approaches face limitations, but nanomedicine offers efficient targeted drug delivery solutions.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chang Ni, Zijun Zhang, Yuling Wang, Zhenhai Zhang, Xueping Guo, Huixia Lv
Summary: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is widely used in cosmetics due to its moisturizing property. This study investigated the factors and mechanism of HA on skin penetration and designed HA-modified liposomes for transdermal drug delivery. The results showed that low molecular weight HA could penetrate the skin barrier and enhance skin hydration, while the high molecular weight HA was trapped on the skin surface. The HA-modified liposomes exhibited increased skin penetration and retention compared to conventional liposomes.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Bernat Pi-Boleda, Mireia Bouzas, Nerea Gaztelumendi, Ona Illa, Carme Nogues, Vicenc Branchadell, Ramon Pons, Rosa M. Ortuno
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Carlos Franco, David Rodriguez-San-Miguel, Alessandro Sorrenti, Semih Sevim, Ramon Pons, Ana E. Platero-Prats, Marko Pavlovic, Istvan Szilagyi, M. Luisa Ruiz Gonzalez, Jose M. Gonzalez-Calbet, Davide Bochicchio, Luca Pesce, Giovanni M. Pavan, Inhar Imaz, Mary Cano-Sarabia, Daniel Maspoch, Salvador Pane, Andrew J. de Mello, Felix Zamora, Josep Puigmarti-Luis
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kirian Tallo, Susana Vilchez, Ramon Pons, Olga Lopez
Summary: Research on colloidal dispersions has shown that gels can be formed from lipid vesicles with varying charge ratios, affecting their microstructure and rheological properties. A lipid gel with a charge ratio of 20:1 exhibited the highest resistance to deformation, while deviations from this ratio decreased its rigidity. Understanding how electrostatic balance influences gel properties can help tailor gel composition for specific applications.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Maria J. Gomara, Ramon Pons, Carolina Herrera, Paul Ziprin, Isabel Haro
Summary: A novel peptide amphiphile (PA) based on the E1P47 peptide sequence was designed and synthesized in this study to target lipid rafts of the cell membrane, demonstrating potential antiviral activity against HIV-1. The length of the polyethylene glycol spacer, the position of peptide conjugation, and the type of hydrophobic residue were found to affect the antiviral efficacy of the construct, with monoalkyl PAs showing the highest anti-HIV-1 activities in cellular and preclinical models.
BIOCONJUGATE CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amalia Mezei, Ramon Pons
Summary: This study investigates the stability of DNA gel particles prepared using CTAB as a cationic surfactant and modified with different additives. The composite particles show a significantly prolonged release span compared to unmodified ones, with release of DNA and CTAB in different pH solutions. The results contribute to a better understanding of the formation and evolution of these particles for potential applications in drug delivery and release.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lourdes Perez, Ramon Pons, Francisco Fabio Oliveira de Sousa, Maria del Carmen Moran, Anderson Ramos da Silva, Aurora Pinazo
Summary: This study focused on the synthesis and biological properties of two families of green cationic surfactants derived from renewable sources. Results showed that these surfactants exhibited exceptional biological properties and have great potential for use in green antimicrobial and antibiofilm agents.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cesar Gonzalez, Simone Balocco, Jaume Bosch, Juan Miguel de Haro, Maurizio Paolini, Antonio Filgueras, Carlos Alvarez, Ramon Pons
Summary: X-ray crystallography is an important method for understanding the biological function of proteins and other molecules. However, the production of crystals is often a bottleneck. To address this issue, researchers have proposed the use of whole pair distribution function and FPGA technology to reduce computation time.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Cesar A. Godoy, Mercedes Valiente, Wilson Munoz, Pablo Bonilla, Ramon Pons, Gemma Montalvo
Summary: This study investigates the phase behaviors, microstructural and viscoelastic properties of ternary systems composed of lecithin, vegetal oils, and water with low water content. Understanding the microstructures and rheological properties of these phases can aid in the development of new biocompatible excipients. Phase determinations are made using a combination of optical microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, and rheology measurements. The saturation levels of the different fatty acid contents in biocompatible vegetal oils, such as olive oil and castor oil, are found to affect the phase behavior. The lamellar phase is preferred with biocompatible vegetal oils, while the cubic structure coexists with other liquid crystalline phases but does not appear in a monophasic region. Castor oil can form a pure inverse micellar region. Hexagonal liquid crystalline samples behave like solids, while lamellar liquid crystalline samples behave like a typical weak gel, with slight frequency dependence. High oil content favors a stiffer and more elastic lamellar structure at 37°C compared to 25°C, and an increase in temperature leads to a higher degree of structural ordering and a smaller lamellar phase region.
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING DATA
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Maria De Luca, Carlo Ignazio Giovanni Tuberoso, Ramon Pons, Maria Teresa Garcia, Maria del Carmen Moran, Giulio Ferino, Antonio Vassallo, Giuseppe Martelli, Carla Caddeo
Summary: The study focuses on the use of phospholipid vesicles for the nanoformulation of plant extracts, aiming to overcome limitations in their topical application. The Prunus spinosa berries were used as a source of bioactive compounds, and two types of phospholipid vesicles were developed for improved applicability as topical formulations. Various characterization and safety tests were conducted to assess their properties and potential.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria De Luca, Carlo Ignazio Giovanni Tuberoso, Ramon Pons, Maria Teresa Garcia, Maria del Carmen Moran, Giuseppe Martelli, Antonio Vassallo, Carla Caddeo
Summary: Formulating plant extracts in phospholipid vesicles is a promising strategy to overcome challenges like poor solubility, instability, low skin permeation, and short retention time. In this study, a hydro-ethanolic extract was prepared from Ceratonia siliqua ripe pods, showing antioxidant properties due to the presence of active compounds. Liposomes were used to improve the extract's applicability, characterized by small size, negative charge, high entrapment efficiency, and biocompatibility. The extract demonstrated antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals, reducing ferric ions, and protecting skin cells from oxidative damage.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Zakaria Hafidi, Lourdes Perez, Mohammed El Achouri, Ramon Pons
Summary: Cationic surfactants based on phenylalanine and tryptophan were synthesized using renewable raw materials and a green synthetic procedure. The synthesis, acid-base equilibrium, aggregation properties, and antibacterial activity of these surfactants were investigated. The surfactants showed promising antibacterial efficacy and had a high affinity for DPPC bilayers, although their antibacterial activity was reduced when incorporated in vesicles.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Elena Tomassi, Daniela Lucchesi, Carla Caddeo, Donatella Valenti, Veronica Sancho, Ramon Pons, Laura Pucci
Summary: Research has shown that liposomes can effectively address the instability, low solubility, and poor absorption of compounds such as polyphenols, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins, and alpha-lipoic acid in therapy. They provide protection from physiological degradation and offer a safe method of application to cells.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Kirian Tallo, Ramon Pons, Cesar Gonzalez, Olga Lopez
Summary: Colloidal gels made from lipid vesicles under highly diluted conditions have been described, which could be relevant for mimicking biological conditions. Mechanistic insights revealed that freezing and heating are crucial steps in gel formation, and techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering allow for in-depth analysis.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2021)
Article
Biophysics
Clara Babot-Marquillas, Maria-Jesus Sanchez-Martin, Jorge Rodriguez-Martinez, Joan Estelrich, Maria-Antonia Busquets, Manuel Valiente
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2020)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Kirian Tallo, Manel Bosch, Ramon Pons, Mercedes Cocera, Olga Lopez
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2020)
