Anti-Inflammatory, Immunomodulatory, and Tissue Repair Activity on Human Keratinocytes by Green Innovative Nanocomposites

Abstract

The use of raw materials obtained by waste and processed through innovative industrial methodologies has generated an industry of about a trillion dollars in a short time, and in the near future will provide resources and services for the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources in order to ensure a better and fairer welfare for the human race. The production of nano-fiber chitin non-woven tissue is in accordance with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and European Union (EU) bio-economic programs: 100% biodegradable, ecological, and therefore useful in decreasing dependence on fossil fuel resources. The aim of our study is the evaluation of different formulations of a non-woven tissue obtained from electrospinning of a mixture of nanochitin fibrils, lignin, and poly (ethylene) oxide (PEO) on the restoration of damaged tissues. Wound repair is a complex process that involves epithelial and immune cells and includes the induction of metalloproteinases, inflammatory mediators, and angiogenic factors. Our in vitro results have shown that all of the realized chitin nanofibrils-bio-lignin non-woven tissues tested as nontoxic for human keratinocytes (HaCat) cells. Furthermore, the bio-composites that included bio-lignin at 0.1% have been able to modulate the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, IL-1α, and IL8), lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and human beta-defensin 2 (HBD-2) expression in HaCat cells, suggesting an anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory role. Taken together, our results suggest that our chitin nanofibrils-bio-lignin non-woven tissue represents a skin-friendly tool that is able to favor a correct and fast wound repair.

A New Carrier for Advanced Cosmeceuticals

“…Regarding nanoparticle toxicity [53], chitin nanofibrils (CNs) used as a carrier and produced by an ecofriendly circular technology at zero waste in our lab (data not reported-patent pending), showed no toxicity and resulted in growth compatible with ] human keratinocytes ]. Similar results were obtained for chitin-lignin nanoparticles [13,53,54]. It has been also evidenced that chitin is metabolized by human and environmental enzymes to a linear polysaccharide used from the cell as nutrition or as energy for its further reduction to oxygen [55][56][57].…”

“…Moreover, they may have undesirable side effects because of undesired interactions with preservatives, fragrances, and other chemicals used for their formulation. For these reasons, cosmetic/cosmeceutical effectiveness and safety must be controlled in vitro on cell cultures and in vivo on skin (healthy or affected by minor disorders or mild abnormalities) by methodologies scientifically and clinically correct [12,13]. In reality, although the frequency of cosmetic adverse serious events reported by EU and USA guidelines seems to be low [14,15], the cross allergy and human sensitization phenomena connected with the activity of preservatives, emulsifiers, flavoring, colors, and other chemicals used for cosmetic, food, household, and professional products are increasing worldwide with the risk of chronic diseases [16].…”

“…They are made by chitin and lignin that are polymers characterized by an antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, regenerative, and protective activity. Thus, they protect the skin against environmental attack and pollution, such as UV and air micro and nanoparticulate (np) [12,13,[24][25][26]. Therefore, they can be considered new active carriers for innovative cosmeceuticals, as they are useful for the consumer to ameliorate skin wellness both for men and for women and for the industry to increase its business.…”

“…In addition, nanochitin, nanolignin, and their complexes promote cell growth and skin repair, supporting natural extracellular matrix (ECM) by the increased production of defensin-2 and modulation of the metalloproteinase activity, without releasing secondary toxic ingredients [13,24,25,54,55]. Chitosan is the deacetylated derivative of chitin, and both polymers are distinguished from one another by their degree of acetylation (DA), which reflects the relative proportion of N-acetylglucosamine: Chitin has a DA greater than 50%, while for chitosan, DA is lower ( Figure 5).…”

Forkhead box p3 controls progression of oral lichen planus by regulating microRNA‐146a

“…Immortalized human skin keratinocyte HaCaT cells have been used for OLP studies, because these cells can be easily grown and indefinitely passaged . LPS is often used to induce an inflammatory response and establish in vitro models of OLP . In this study, we investigated how Fopx3 and miR‐146a affect T cells and keratinocytes in OLP and elucidated the related molecular mechanism.…”