{
  "abstract": "Background/Objectives: Shikonin is a bioactive compound with promising pharmaceutical potential, particularly for anti-inflammation and ability to inhibit proliferative scar formation. However, its applications are limited by poor photostability. Therefore, this research aimed to develop and optimize shikonin-loaded NLC to improve the photostability of shikonin. The optimized NLC formulation was subsequently incorporated into a hydrogel matrix to fabricate a dermal patch, providing a potential alternative for topical scar treatment and self-care application. Methods: Shikonin-loaded NLCs were developed, optimized, and evaluated for physicochemical properties, entrapment efficiency, photostability, and in vitro release. The optimized NLC was incorporated into a hyaluronic acid-carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogel matrix to fabricate and evaluate an NLC-based dermal patch. Results: The optimized shikonin-loaded NLC exhibited a particle size of 104.94 nm with a narrow polydispersity index of 0.15, and a zeta potential of -34.34 ± 0.02 mV. The NLC achieved high entrapment efficiency (>90%). The NLC significantly enhanced the photostability of shikonin, by increasing the percentage of shikonin remaining after light exposure from 37.36 to 64.55% (p < 0.05). In addition, the cumulative shikonin release over 12 h was 15.61 ± 4.18%, following Korsmeyer-Peppas model. A combination of hyaluronic acid and carboxymethyl cellulose (1% w/w) was employed as the biopolymer for the hydrogel dermal patch. The shikonin-loaded NLC-based dermal patch exhibited favorable physicochemical characteristics. Conclusions: The NLC demonstrated enhanced photostability and release properties, which are preserved upon their integration into the hydrogel. The incorporation of shikonin-loaded NLC into a hydrogel matrix provides a viable strategy for stabilizing this light-sensitive bioactive compound. Consequently, this NLC-loaded hydrogel system represents a promising platform for future topical dermal delivery in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.",
  "abstract_shown": true,
  "affiliations": [
    "Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand."
  ],
  "article_type": "research article",
  "arxiv": null,
  "author_total": 3,
  "authors": [
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Kittithat Rueangpraphai"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Kanokwan Kiattisin",
      "orcid": "0000-0003-4280-1079"
    },
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "Taepin Junmahasathien"
    }
  ],
  "bibtex": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/6txhc1x3dtbgr.bib",
  "cited_by": 0,
  "doi": "10.3390/pharmaceutics18101270",
  "fulltext_url": "https://europepmc.org/articles/PMC13708428",
  "id": "6txhc1x3dtbgr",
  "issns": [
    "1999-4923"
  ],
  "landing_url": "https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42942802",
  "language": "eng",
  "licence": "CC-BY",
  "licence_label": "CC BY",
  "licence_source": "article",
  "licence_url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/",
  "metadata_licence": null,
  "native_subjects": [
    [
      "openalex",
      "3003|Advancements in Transdermal Drug Delivery"
    ]
  ],
  "openalex": "W7220855391",
  "pdf_url": "https://europepmc.org/articles/PMC13708428?pdf=render",
  "pmcid": "PMC13708428",
  "pmid": "42942802",
  "published": "2026-10-07",
  "publisher": null,
  "ris": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/6txhc1x3dtbgr.ris",
  "sources": [
    {
      "first_seen": "2026-10-30T12:22:24Z",
      "native_id": "MED:42942802",
      "source": "europepmc",
      "url": "https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42942802"
    }
  ],
  "subjects": [
    {
      "field": "medicine",
      "origin": "openalex:3003|Advancements in Transdermal Drug Delivery",
      "subfield": "pharmacology-toxicology"
    }
  ],
  "title": "Development and Characterization of Shikonin-Loaded NLC with Enhanced Photostability in Hydrogel-Based Dermal Patch.",
  "title_text": "Development and Characterization of Shikonin-Loaded NLC with Enhanced Photostability in Hydrogel-Based Dermal Patch.",
  "type": "peer-reviewed",
  "updated_at": "2026-10-30T12:22:24Z",
  "url": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/6txhc1x3dtbgr",
  "venue": "Pharmaceutics",
  "versions": []
}