Hyaluronic acid engineered gallic acid embedded chitosan nanoparticle as an effective delivery system for treatment of psoriasis

Psoriasis is a deleterious auto-immune disorder which seriously harms the patients physical and mental health. CD44 are found to be over-expressed on psoriatic lesions which are highly responsible for epidermal hyperproliferation and inflammation. Gallic acid (GA), a phenolic acid natural compound has potential inhibitory impact on pro-inflammatory transcription factors. However, the penetration across skin and availability is low when applied topically, making the treatment extremely challenging. Considering such factors, we developed GA loaded chitosan nanoparticles and modified with hyaluronic acid (HA) (HA@CS-GA NP) to assess the therapeutic potential against psoriasis. The formulations were characterized by DSC, zetasizer and TEM for assuring the development of nanosystems. GA loaded CS NP had a particle size of 207.2 +/- 0.08 nm while after coating with HA, the size increased to 220.1 +/- 0.18 nm. The entrapment efficiency was 93.24 +/- 0.132% and drug loading of 73.17 +/- 0.23%. The in vitro cell viability assessment study confirmed enhanced anti-proliferative effect of HA@CS-GA NP over plain GA which is due to high sensitivity towards HaCaT cell. The in vivo results on imiquimod induced psoriasis model indicated that CD44 receptor mediated targeted approach of HA@CS-GA NP gel had great potential in restricting the keratinocyte hyperproliferation and circumventing psoriasis. For the therapy of further skin-related conditions, HA modified nanoparticles should be investigated extensively employing genes, antibodies, chemotherapeutics, or natural substances.

Automated summary

This article investigates the potential of chitosan nanoparticles loaded with gallic acid (GA) for the treatment of psoriasis. The study found that coating the nanoparticles with hyaluronic acid (HA) slightly increased the particle size but enhanced their inhibitory effect on cells. In vivo experiments demonstrated the potential of HA-modified nanoparticles in restricting psoriasis. Further research should explore the application of HA-modified nanoparticles in the treatment of other skin-related conditions.