Development of Sponge Microspicule Cream as a Transdermal Delivery System for Protein and Growth Factors from Deer Antler Velvet Extract

Abstract

Sponge spicules are needle-like structures and used for dermabrasive treatment of the skin. This research aimed to develop an effective delivery system by using sponge spicules for enhancing skin permeation of bioactive proteins and growth factors from deer antler velvet (DAV). DAV was extracted by sonication and bioactivity studies were evaluated. The size of microspicules (MSs) was reduced and mixed with DAV extract cream. In vitro skin permeation was analyzed by using bovine serum albumin-fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugate (BSA-FITC) as a model macromolecular compound. For in vivo study, DAV extract formulations were applied on the skin of healthy humans, and effects were evaluated. Results showed that DAV extract containing proteins and growth factors increased the proliferation and migration of skin fibroblast cells. This extract was homogeneously mixed with spicule cream. Without blending, MS was 11.89 µm wide and 176.77 µm long; blending time exhibited short and broken MSs (MBs) for short blending (30 s) and fine powder (MF) for long blending (10 min). MS cream showed the highest permeation of BSA-FITC through the skin (2.26-fold enhancement), but it resulted in skin irritation. Therefore, MB cream that increased the permeation of BSA-FITC by 1.94-fold was not significantly different from MS formulations chosen for in vivo study. Applying DAV-containing MB cream on the skin for 14 d decreased the melanin content and erythema value but increased elasticity and hydration. Therefore, the MB-containing cream can enhance the macromolecule delivery through the skin, improve the skin properties, and avoid skin irritation.

Anti-tumour activity of deer growing antlers and its potential applications in the treatment of malignant gliomas

“…The basis of the hypothesis of Wang et al 8 explains why previous researchers had found that DAV extract showed anticancer properties in cancers very different from the tissues involved in the growing antler, such as the human prostate [18][19][20] . These researchers, and all those published to date, used commercially available DAV extract from the whole antler 17,28,29 . However, the fact that antlers grow from the tip of the beam and tines [30][31][32] led us to www.nature.com/scientificreports/ postulate that the expression of tumour suppressor genes and related bioactive molecules, should be greater in the tip compared to other parts of the antler.…”

Development and Evaluation of Novel Water-Based Drug-in-Adhesive Patches for the Transdermal Delivery of Ketoprofen

“…Figure 8 presented the percentage of the erythema index (%EI) of skin after a 24-h application of the ketoprofen-loaded PVPAA/PMVEMA patches and the commercial patches. Skin erythema is commonly characterized by a redness of the skin or mucous membranes, resulting from the hyperemia of superficial capillaries [37]. There was no significant difference in the %EI of the skin between the ketoprofen-loaded PVPAA/PMVEMA patches and commercial patches.…”

A Novel Approach for Skin Regeneration by a Potent Bioactive Placental-Loaded Microneedle Patch: Comparative Study of Deer, Goat, and Porcine Placentas

“…These materials were placed at room temperature for thawing of frozen materials. The extraction method was performed by the sonication method [13]. Then, DP, GP, or PP was mashed with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), pH 7.4 (1:1), and then weighed 1 g to soak with 20 mL of distilled water.…”