Feasibility of Using Vitamin E-Loaded Poly(ε-caprolactone)/Gelatin Nanofibrous Mat to Prevent Oxidative Stress in Skin

Abstract

Some occupational skin exposures lead to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The occupational exposure of workers to ROS has been found to be associated with an increased risk of developing skin injuries; therefore, it is essential to protect skin against ROS formation. Recently, some studies have been conducted on introducing better alternatives for skin protection. Nanofibers are good candidates for this purpose. The current study was carried out to assess vitamin E-loaded hybrid Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/gelatin (Gt) nanofibres mats as protective layers of skin exposed to occupational exposures. Vitamin E (VE) was successfully incorporated into PCL/Gt nanofibers while they were formed by electrospinning method. Nanofibers mats were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Their degradation behavior, in vitro release, biocompatibility, and antioxidant activity were studied. The diameters of the PCL/Gt/VE nanofibers decreased with the addition of vitamin E. The degradation rate of nanofibers was equal to 42.98 and 50.69% during 7 and 14 days, respectively. Nanofibers containing vitamin E showed an initial burst followed by a sustained release. The PCL/Gt/VE nanofibers exhibited good free radical scavenging activities despite being exposed to a high electrical potential during electrospinning. PCL/Gt/VE nanofibers supported a higher level of viability compared to PCL/Gt ones and significantly assisted human skin cells against tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) induced oxidative stress. Overall, PCL/Gt/VE nanofibers can potentially be used to protect skin against oxidative stress as a novel approach for worker’s healthcare.

Prediction of hypericin content in Hypericum perforatum L. in different ecological habitat using artificial neural networks

“…Hypericum perforatum L. is among the most important species of the genus Hypericum which is being studied for several therapeutic purposes including skin wounds and burns [15]. Previous literature has reported its role as neuroprotective [15], antidepressant [15], antioxidant [9], hepatoprotective [15], antimicrobial, and antiviral [9]. Among the known constituents of H. perforatum, hypericin and flavonoids attribute to several pharmacological effects of H. perforatum.…”

“…Among the known constituents of H. perforatum, hypericin and flavonoids attribute to several pharmacological effects of H. perforatum. Therefore it remain imperative to develop methods and/or tools accurately identify and predict the concentration of hypericin in H. perforatum [15].…”

“…It is likely that the content of hypericin content in plant tissue is impacted by physiological and environmental factors including climate, topography, vegetative stage, epigenetic similar to other related secondary metabolites [15,43]. However, there is limited evidence available in the literature reporting association of hypericin contents with biotic and abiotic factors [15]. It is interesting to study association of various ecological factors affecting biosynthesis and tissue localization of secondary metabolites in regards to harvesting maximum yield of biologically active constituents from plant extracts.…”

“…It is interesting to study association of various ecological factors affecting biosynthesis and tissue localization of secondary metabolites in regards to harvesting maximum yield of biologically active constituents from plant extracts. Previous studies demonstrated a strong correlation between the altitude and hypericin content in plant extracts, considering the intensity of sunlight and temperature as primary factors [15,43]. For instance, Asghari et al [1] reported significant effect of the ecological conditions mainly altitude of 300, 600 and 1200 m above the sea level on the hypericin content in different highlands of Golestan National Park of Iran.…”

“…For instance, Asghari et al [1] reported significant effect of the ecological conditions mainly altitude of 300, 600 and 1200 m above the sea level on the hypericin content in different highlands of Golestan National Park of Iran. Saffariha et al [15] studied essential oil yield of Salvia limbata L. (Sage) at three different altitudes and reported a significant difference in the amount of essential oil at 2500 m (highest altitude) altitude compared to other sites.…”