Formulation and human skin penetration analysis of nano-carriers containing dihydroquercetin

Abstract

Introduction. Dihydroquercetin (DHQ), is a highly potent antioxidant. Dihydroquercetin (DHQ) is a highly potent antioxidant. It was reported that DHQ could be used for prevention of skin damage caused by UV radiation, UV-induced skin carcinogenesis or to increase the skin regeneration rate after chemical burns (1–3). However, DHQ solubility in water is poor, it is unstable under the light, and has a slow dissolution rate. Lipid nano-carrier (NC) formulations could provide an opportunity to incorporate DHQ by improving its solubility, avoiding unwanted degradation effects, and moreover, controlling its release. The effectiveness of a novel dosage form, such as NC, for cutaneous drug delivery should be evaluated by obtaining a detailed skin penetration data. Standard skin penetration analysis methods, using skin layer separation and extraction, provide limited information about the distribution of active compound in the tissue. Though, combining these techniques with mass spectrometry bioimaging could provide a more detailed view on the active compound (DHQ) distribution. In current study lipid NC containing DHQ were formulated and their skin penetration was evaluated using standard skin penetration analysis methods coupled with time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) bioimaging analysis (4). Quantities and the distribution of DHQ in human skin ex vivo were evaluated, providing detailed information on its skin penetration from NC. [...].