Topical nanogel of glutathione and coenzyme Q10 in sodium alginate for chronic and inflammatory skin conditions: A synergistic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory delivery platform

Abstract

• A sodium alginate-based nanogel was developed for co-delivery of glutathione (GSH) and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). • The nanogel exhibited pseudoplastic rheology, sustained antioxidant release, and 12-month stability. • Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetics confirmed controlled GSH release (72% over 24 h) with quasi-Fickian diffusion. • In vivo rat wound model showed accelerated healing (98.6%), enhanced collagen deposition, and reduced inflammation. • The system offers a biocompatible, antioxidant-rich hydrocolloid platform for topical wound care and skin repair. Chronic wounds and oxidative stress–related skin disorders, such as diabetic ulcers, burns, surgical wounds, and inflammatory dermatoses, require sustained topical delivery of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. Glutathione (GSH) and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) offer synergistic therapeutic effects but suffer from poor stability and limited skin permeability. This study developed and evaluated a sodium alginate (SA)-based nanogel co-delivering GSH and CoQ10 for enhanced wound healing. A GSH–CoQ10 complex was prepared via adsorption and characterised using FT-IR, DSC, XRD, and SEM. The complex was incorporated into SA gels at varying concentrations (1.5%, 2.5%, 3.5%), and formulations were analysed for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential using dynamic light scattering. GSH release was measured using a DTNB assay and fitted to kinetic models. Rheological behaviour, long-term stability (12 months), and morphology (SEM/TEM) were examined. In vivo efficacy was tested in a rat excisional wound model (n=36), with ELISA quantification of VEGF, TGF-β1, Collagen I, and IL-6. The optimal 2.5% SA nanogel exhibited 122.0 ± 4.9 nm particle size, −40.0 ± 1.3 mV zeta potential, and PDI 0.25 ± 0.02. GSH release reached 72% over 24 h, following Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetics. Rheological analysis indicated pseudoplastic behaviour. The formulation remained stable for 12 months (f₂ = 81.04). In vivo , the nanogel achieved 98.6% wound closure at day 14 and significantly improved collagen synthesis while reducing IL-6 levels. The GSH–CoQ10-loaded SA nanogel offers a stable and effective platform for treating chronic and acute skin injuries through synergistic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. This scientific infographic visually summarizes the development, characterization, and therapeutic evaluation of a GSH–CoQ₁₀–SA nanogel system for topical wound healing. It is structured into three main segments, following the formulation journey from synthesis to in vivo efficacy: 1. Complex Formation and Nanogel Preparation The illustration begins with adsorption-based formation of the GSH–CoQ₁₀ complex, showing molecular interaction between Glutathione (GSH) and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ₁₀). This complex is encapsulated into a sodium alginate (SA) nanogel, represented by a spherical matrix containing the two active molecules. 2. Molecular Dynamics & Physicochemical Characterisation To the right, a molecular dynamics simulation graphic symbolises structural integration and stability at the molecular level, with labelled particles: SA (blue), GSH (orange), CoQ₁₀ (dark). Below, release kinetics curves depict controlled, sustained drug release over 24 hours. Characterisation outcomes are highlighted: particle size ∼120 nm, with a note on inflammation reduction and nanogel stability. 3. Biological Effect and Therapeutic Outcome The bottom section illustrates wound healing in a skin cross-section, showing tissue regeneration and inflammation resolution. Finally, a rat model with a healed wound site confirms in vivo efficacy, linking the nanogel application to accelerated healing and therapeutic success.

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