2024 | Matías L. Picchio, María Soledad Orellano, Maria Angela Motta, Cristián Huck-Iriart, Daniel Sánchez-deAlcázar, Rocío López-Domene, Beatriz Martín-García, Aitor Larrañaga, Ana Beloqui, David Mecerreyes, and Marcelo Calderón
This study introduces a novel family of protein elastomer eutectogels for topical drug delivery, constructed by embedding a therapeutic deep eutectic solvent (THEDES) with skin permeation ability, CAGE (choline and geranic acid, 1:2 molar ratio), into a dynamic network of gelatin crosslinked by tannic acid (TA), a natural polyphenol. The eutectogels exhibit unique properties, including strain-hardening behavior, thermoreversible gel-to-sol transitions, and excellent adhesive performance. These materials retain the bioactivity of the liquid THEDES and enhance skin occlusion, facilitating the delivery of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances through the skin in a time-dependent manner. The eutectogels show remarkable stretchability and new interactions between protein scaffolds and eutectic mixtures, opening avenues for innovative therapeutic soft materials.
The gelation of gelatin in CAGE is unusual, as it does not follow the typical hydrogel mechanism. Instead, TA controls the protein structure, enabling the tuning of mechanical and viscoelastic properties from elastic to hyperelastic. The eutectogels demonstrate high mechanical performance, with CAGE 1:2 variant showing maximum elongation of 250%, tensile strength of 150 kPa, and toughness of 300 kJ·m⁻³. These eutectogels also exhibit strong self-adhesive properties, with adhesive stress and energy values higher than those of conventional hydrogels.
The eutectogels were tested for their ability to enhance topical drug delivery using an ex vivo porcine ear skin model. They successfully delivered hydrophobic and hydrophilic dyes, such as Nile red and 5-aminofluorescein, through the stratum corneum, reaching the viable epidermis. The eutectogels showed no cytotoxic effects on MRC-5 and HaCaT cells, and were non-irritating, as demonstrated by the red blood cell test. These results indicate that the eutectogels are biocompatible and non-irritant, making them suitable for topical drug delivery applications.
The eutectogels exhibit excellent ionic conductivity, which is beneficial for iontophoresis, a technique that enhances drug absorption through the skin. The eutectogels also show high mechanical stability, with a low phase transition temperature, making them attractive for 3D printing applications in personalized medicine. Overall, the eutectogels offer a promising alternative to conventional hydrogels for topical drug delivery, with the potential to enhance the penetration of hydrophobic and hydrophilic substances through the skin.This study introduces a novel family of protein elastomer eutectogels for topical drug delivery, constructed by embedding a therapeutic deep eutectic solvent (THEDES) with skin permeation ability, CAGE (choline and geranic acid, 1:2 molar ratio), into a dynamic network of gelatin crosslinked by tannic acid (TA), a natural polyphenol. The eutectogels exhibit unique properties, including strain-hardening behavior, thermoreversible gel-to-sol transitions, and excellent adhesive performance. These materials retain the bioactivity of the liquid THEDES and enhance skin occlusion, facilitating the delivery of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances through the skin in a time-dependent manner. The eutectogels show remarkable stretchability and new interactions between protein scaffolds and eutectic mixtures, opening avenues for innovative therapeutic soft materials.
The gelation of gelatin in CAGE is unusual, as it does not follow the typical hydrogel mechanism. Instead, TA controls the protein structure, enabling the tuning of mechanical and viscoelastic properties from elastic to hyperelastic. The eutectogels demonstrate high mechanical performance, with CAGE 1:2 variant showing maximum elongation of 250%, tensile strength of 150 kPa, and toughness of 300 kJ·m⁻³. These eutectogels also exhibit strong self-adhesive properties, with adhesive stress and energy values higher than those of conventional hydrogels.
The eutectogels were tested for their ability to enhance topical drug delivery using an ex vivo porcine ear skin model. They successfully delivered hydrophobic and hydrophilic dyes, such as Nile red and 5-aminofluorescein, through the stratum corneum, reaching the viable epidermis. The eutectogels showed no cytotoxic effects on MRC-5 and HaCaT cells, and were non-irritating, as demonstrated by the red blood cell test. These results indicate that the eutectogels are biocompatible and non-irritant, making them suitable for topical drug delivery applications.
The eutectogels exhibit excellent ionic conductivity, which is beneficial for iontophoresis, a technique that enhances drug absorption through the skin. The eutectogels also show high mechanical stability, with a low phase transition temperature, making them attractive for 3D printing applications in personalized medicine. Overall, the eutectogels offer a promising alternative to conventional hydrogels for topical drug delivery, with the potential to enhance the penetration of hydrophobic and hydrophilic substances through the skin.