Development of a hydrogel containing bisabolol-loaded nanocapsules for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in a Balb/c mice model.

α-Bisabolol (αBIS), a plant-derived compound with anti-inflammatory properties, is potentially a therapeutic agent for Atopic dermatitis. However, its poor water solubility and photoinstability limit its topical application. Therefore, the present study, aimed to develop cationic polymeric nanocapsules of αBIS to improve its skin delivery, photostability, and therapeutic efficacy. The αBIS-loaded nanocapsules were prepared using the solvent displacement technique. A Box-Behnken (BB) design was employed to statistically optimize formulation variables and αBIS-loaded nanocapsules characterized by particle size, surface charge and encapsulation efficiency. The optimal formulation was selected, and the spherical shape of the nanocapsules was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, hydrogel containing αBIS-loaded nanocapsules was prepared by thickening of nanocapsule suspension with Carbopol 934 and evaluated for rheology, in vitro drug release and skin permeation. Furthermore, a mice model of atopic dermatitis was used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of the hydrogels. The optimal formulation displayed a spherical morphology under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with an optimum particle size of 133.00 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.12, high EE% of 93 %, and improved optical stability of αBIS in the prepared nanocapsules compared to the free drug. The nano-based hydrogels demonstrated non-Newtonian pseudoplastic behavior and an increased αBIS in vitro release profile without causing skin irritation in rabbits. Drug retention within the dermis and epidermis layers significantly surpassed that of drug-free hydrogel. Moreover, in vivo histopathological studies and myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme activity, revealed that hydrogel containing bisabolol nanocapsules exhibited The best anti-inflammatory effect. The results showed that hydrogels containing bisabolol nanocapsules markedly alleviated dermatitis-related inflammation and reduced skin thickness in Balb/c mice. Our findings support nanocapsules as an effective drug delivery system to enhance αBIS stability, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy in AD treatment.

Synergistic induction of apoptosis in lung cancer cells through co-delivery of PLGA phytol/α-bisabolol nanoparticles.

This study explored the potential of poly-(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) nanoparticles to enhance the effectiveness of anticancer treatments through combination therapy with phytol and α-bisabolol. The encapsulation efficiency of the nanoparticles was investigated, highlighting the role of ionic interactions between the drugs and the polymer. Characterization of PLGA-Phy+Bis nanoparticles was carried out using DLS with zeta potential and HR-TEM for size determination. Spectrophotometric measurements evaluated the encapsulation efficiency, loading efficiency, and in vitro drug release. FTIR analysis assessed the chemical interactions between PLGA and the drug actives, ensuring nanoparticle stability. GC-MS was employed to analyze the chemical composition of drug-loaded PLGA nanocarriers. Cytotoxicity was evaluated via the MTT assay, while Annexin V-FITC/PI staining and western blot analysis confirmed apoptotic cell death. Additionally, toxicity tests were performed on L-132 cells and in vivo zebrafish embryos. The study demonstrates high encapsulation efficiency of PLGA-Phy+Bis nanoparticles, which exhibit monodispersity and sizes of 189.3±5nm (DLS) and 268±54 nm (HR-TEM). Spectrophotometric analysis confirmed efficient drug encapsulation and release control. FTIR analysis revealed nanoparticle structural stability without chemical interactions. MTT assay results demonstrated the promising anticancer potential of all the three nanoparticle types (PLGA-Phy, PLGA-Bis, and PLGA-Phy+Bis) against lung cancer cells. Apoptosis was confirmed through Annexin V-FITC/PI staining and western blot analysis, which also revealed changes in Bax and Bcl-2 protein expression. Furthermore, the nanoparticles exhibited non-toxicity in L-132 cells and zebrafish embryo toxicity tests. PLGA-Phy+Bis nanoparticles exhibited efficient encapsulation, controlled release, and low toxicity. Apoptosis induction in A549 cells and non-toxicity in healthy cells highlight their clinical potential.