A Biomimetic Interpenetrating Network Hydrogel Incorporating Nested Phytochemical Nanoparticles for Sustained Cellular Senescence Suppression and Extracellular Matrix Preservation.

Overview This record contains a foundational deep-tech preprint and technical whitepaper detailing a novel biomimetic skin-preservation scaffold. Moving beyond superficial cosmetic approaches, this research treats skin aging as systemic extracellular matrix (ECM) and cellular degradation. Authored by Dr. Asawari Anjali Gokhale, the work bridges material science, mathematical modeling, and regenerative medicine. Core Technical Highlights: Interpenetrating Network (IPN) Architecture: Formulated via a precise stoichiometric ratio of 1.50 wt% Sodium Alginate and 1.00 wt% Carboxymethyl Chitosan in a physiological Phosphate-Buffered Saline (PBS, pH 7.4) medium, achieving a youthful viscoelastic plateau ($G' \approx 1\text{--}5\text{ kPa}$). Nested Phytochemical Delivery System: Overcomes the rapid auto-oxidation and clearance challenges of active payloads (Quercetin, EGCG, Astragaloside IV, and Ginsenosides) through a tri-phase architecture: Cyclodextrin complexation (Phase A) $\rightarrow$ Lipid-polymer nanomicelles (Phase B) $\rightarrow$ IPN Hydrogel embedding (Phase C). Mathematical Modeling: Governed by a modified Higuchi-Peppas framework ($n \to 1.0$), demonstrating zero-order Case-II anomalous transport for a sustained, linear 30-day therapeutic release profile synchronized with native tissue remodeling. Biological Validation Pipeline: Outlines rigorous in vitro assays targeting the clearance of SA-$\beta$-Gal-positive senescent ("zombie") cells, downregulation of cell-cycle arrest markers ($\text{p16}$, $\text{p21}$), and suppression of inflammatory SASP secretome markers ($\text{IL-6}$, $\text{IL-8}$, $\text{MMPs}$).