Protective Effect of Composite Hydrogel Based on Hydroxypropyl Trimethylammonium Chloride Chitosan on Skin Photodamage

Long-term or excessive exposure to UV light can lead to sunburn, erythema, melanin deposition, inflammation, and even skin cancer. This study used composite hydrogels with N-2-hydroxypropyl trimethylammonium chloride chitosan (N-2-HACC) and hyaluronic acid (HA) as carriers. In addition, ellagic acid (EA) and proanthocyanidins (PC) as functionalized materials were prepared. The infrared results show that the N-2-HACC/HA/EA/PC hydrogel is formed by N-2-HACC connecting with HA by electrostatic interaction, and HA forms hydrogen bonds between EA and PC. The in vitro antioxidant results show that EA and PC have different clearance efficiency of DPPH and superoxide anion radicals at different pH values. Thus, they have complementary effects on antioxidant properties. The cumulative release results demonstrate that the hydrogels had an excellent slow-release rate at different pHs. The animal experiments reveal that N-2-HACC/HA/EA/PC could restore the consumption of antioxidant enzymes induced by UVB irradiation and inhibit matrix metalloproteinase 1. N-2-HACC/HA/EA/PC can inhibit UVB-induced histological damage, such as epidermal thickening, collagen fiber, and elastic fiber destruction. N-2-HACC/HA/EA/PC has a significant photoprotective effect by protecting the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase and inhibiting the activity of inflammatory factors. N-2-HACC/HA/EA/PC composite hydrogel system shows comprehensive performance. Its ability to scavenge free radicals may act as an antioxidant to protect mice from skin cancer.

Automated summary

Long-term or excessive exposure to UV light can cause various skin damages, but the N-2-HACC/HA/EA/PC composite hydrogel developed in this study can effectively protect the skin from UV-induced injuries and has multiple functions such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.