Modelling and Control of Corticotropin Permeation from Hydrogels across a Natural Membrane in the Presence of Albumin

Abstract

(1) Background: Skin is a difficult barrier to overcome, especially for molecules with masses greater than 500 Da. It has been suggested that albumin may contribute to more effective penetration of many therapeutic substances. In this study, an attempt was made to use albumin in semi-solid formulations to increase the skin penetration of another peptide—corticotropin (ACTH). (2) Methods: Hydrogels were prepared at two concentrations: 15 mg/g and 20 mg/g corticotropin, then albumin was added to them in different stoichiometric ratios. The degree of ACTH release from hydrogels, both with and without albumin addition, was investigated. For selected hydrogels the process of corticotropin permeation through a model membrane, i.e., pig skin, was examined. (3) Results: The study of corticotropin release showed that the addition of albumin, depending on its amount, may delay or increase the release process. Similarly, a study of ACTH permeation through porcine skin showed that albumin can delay or increase and accelerate ACTH permeation. (4) Conclusions: Hydrogel, applicated on the skin surface, may prove to be a beneficial and convenient solution for patients. It is an innovative way of application ACTH that bypasses the gastrointestinal tract and may result in increased availability of the peptide and its efficacy.

Somatotropin Penetration Testing from Formulations Applied Topically to the Skin

“…The degree of ACTH penetration was approximately 2.7 times higher (40.76 ± 3.51%). ALB also increased the rate of ACTH permeation by approximately 1.4-fold (p < 0.05) [12].…”

“…ALB caused a delay in penetration that was dependent on the ratio of ALB to ACTH. Apparently, this effect was seen at a 1:1 ratio of ALB and ACTH (1.5% ALB and 1.5% ACTH) [12].…”

“…Siemiradzka et al [12] demonstrated the effect of the concentration of ALB on the timing and extent of corticotropin (ACTH) permeation from hydrogels. ALB caused a delay in penetration that was dependent on the ratio of ALB to ACTH.…”

Research progress on albumin-based hydrogels: Properties, preparation methods, types and its application for antitumor-drug delivery and tissue engineering

“…Thus, researchers from University of Pittsburgh constructed a hydrogel sensor using HSA, and it can be used to monitor protein-ionic species binding ( Cai et al, 2014 ). Xu et al constructed a HSA-based hydrogel which reduces random flap necrosis by attenuating the apoptotic and inflammatory effects of vascular endothelial cells, and its effectiveness has been well proven at the cellular and animal level ( Siemiradzka et al, 2021 ). In 2021, Xu et al constructed a composite hydrogel based on HSA, which can be used for gastric pH monitoring in situ magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) ( Xu et al, 2021 ).…”

The Potential of Pharmaceutical Hydrogels in the Formulation of Topical Administration Hormone Drugs

“…Another study [40] investigated the effect of albumin (Alb) added to glycerol hydrogel on the permeation of corticotropin (ACTH). It was found that, depending on the amount of albumin used, it can delay or increase the hormone release process.…”