Multifunctional Natural Herbal Extracts Liposomal Loaded Hybrid Hydrogel for Skin Improvement and Repair

Background: Hydrogel dressings have the advantages of continuous moisturizing, good permeability, antibacterial and biocompatibility, and can be used as an expecting material for skin improvement and protection. Among natural herbal extracts, ginseng extract exhibits various excellent skin care activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, brightening, and anti-aging effects. In order to better deliver active substances- ginseng extract to the skin and play an important role in protecting human skin, a novel multifunctional ginseng extract liposome-loaded hybrid hydrogel (GS-LPs@Hy) was prepared. Methods: First, the optimal reaction ratio of liposomes encapsulating natural ginseng extract (GS-LPs) was determined by measuring the encapsulation rate of the active substance and the proliferation of skin cells. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurement and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed that the natural ginseng extracts (GS) were successfully encapsulated in the liposomes. Results: GS-LPs exhibited a relatively uniform particle size distribution, with electronegative. In vitro release experiment and stability test showed that the GS-LPs had good stability and could release active substances stably for a long time. Then by testing the compressibility, rheological properties, moisturizing rate, antibacterial properties and the ability to promote cells proliferation of the hybrid hydrogels under different reaction conditions, the prepared GS-LPs@Hy had the optimal mechanical properties, moisturizing properties and antibacterial properties. And in vitro experiments showed the GS-LPs@Hy had certain proliferative activity on human immortalized epidermal (Hacat) cells and skin fibroblast (HDF-α) cells, inhibited the melanin production in mouse melanoma cells and had a good scavenging rate against 2,2-diphenyl-1-pyridylhydrazine free radical (DPPH). The in vivo animal skin damage model displayed that the GS-LPs@Hy had a certain whitening and repair effect on UV damaged skin. Conclusion: GS-LPs@Hy is a multifunctional hybrid hydrogel comprised of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), gelatin (Gel), hyaluronic acid (HA) and carboxymethyl chitosan (SCS) loaded with a large number of liposomes containing natural active ingredients. GS-LPs@Hy can continuously and slowly release highly active GS-LPs to the skin's surface. Based on the amphiphilic nature of liposomes, GS-LPs could effectively penetrate deep into the skin and be absorbed by cells in the epidermis and dermis due to their nanoscale size and surface properties. It would maximize the skincare efficacy of natural active substances within skin cells. This material not only provides a new approach for skincare products but also highlights the potential application value of natural herbal components in skin repair and health maintenance.