Evaluation of Carboxymethyl Chitosan Hydrogel Containing Caviar Extract Effect on Skin Regeneration

Skin aging involves changes in extracellular matrix components, such as wrinkles and pigmentation. Caviar extract (CE) is a promising compound for skin rejuvenation, but effective topical delivery requires optimized carriers. This study evaluated polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethyl chitosan (PVA/CMC) hydrogels loaded with CE at concentrations of 2%, 3.5%, and 5% as scaffolds to influence the epithelial differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs). Hydrogels were synthesized using a freeze-thaw method and characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy, swelling and degradation tests, and mechanical analysis. Biocompatibility and cell migration were assessed using MTT and scratch assays; at the same time, expression of cytokeratin-18 (<i>CK-18</i>) and pan-cytokeratin (pan-CK) was measured via reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry (ICC), respectively. FTIR confirmed successful CE incorporation, and SEM revealed a porous structure. Hydrogels with 3.5% and 5% CE demonstrated a good balance between swelling and degradation over 336 h. The biocompatibility tests showed that 5% CE supported enhanced long-term cell growth. The scratch assay indicated improved cell migration, and transcriptional analysis revealed significantly higher <i>CK-18</i> levels in ADMSCs treated with PVA/CMC/CE 5% (<i>p</i> < 0.001). ICC results showed significantly higher pan-CK expression at 3.5% CE (41.82%) and 5% CE (48.16%), suggesting that CE promotes repair processes. These findings suggest that 5% CE-loaded PVA/CMC hydrogel could be an effective option for skin regeneration and antiaging. Impact Statement Caviar extract (CE) was considered a bioactive ingredient, along with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) polymers, to prepare a functional and practical hydrogel without hazardous components for anti-aging and cosmetic applications. In the present study, the PVA/CMC hydrogel contains various concentrations of CE (3.5% and 5%), is biocompatible, and enhances cellular viability and migration of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell. Our results demonstrated that the synergistic effect of CE and CMC could promote the expression of cytokeratin-18 gene and pan-cytokeratin protein and play a critical role in stimulating skin regeneration.