Development and Characterization of Shikonin-Loaded NLC with Enhanced Photostability in Hydrogel-Based Dermal Patch.
- 1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.
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.
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BibTeX
@article{rueangpraphai2026development,
title = {{Development and Characterization of Shikonin-Loaded NLC with Enhanced Photostability in Hydrogel-Based Dermal Patch.}},
author = {Kittithat Rueangpraphai and Kanokwan Kiattisin and Taepin Junmahasathien},
journal = {Pharmaceutics},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3390/pharmaceutics18101270},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42942802},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Development and Characterization of Shikonin-Loaded NLC with Enhanced Photostability in Hydrogel-Based Dermal Patch.
AU - Kittithat Rueangpraphai
AU - Kanokwan Kiattisin
AU - Taepin Junmahasathien
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/07
JO - Pharmaceutics
DO - 10.3390/pharmaceutics18101270
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42942802
AB - 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.
SN - 1999-4923
ER -