Breakthrough in Psoriasis Treatment: Nanoparticles Show Promising Results

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Researchers from Jinzhou Medical University have developed a non-invasive transdermal delivery system using biomimetic shikonin nanoparticles to treat psoriasis. The system, known as FPB-CCNCD, shows significant enhancement in transdermal permeability, sustained release, and targeting of keratinocytes. In vitro experiments demonstrated the system's ability to promote keratinocyte apoptosis and reduce inflammatory cytokine expression.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FPB-CCNCD system was developed to address the challenges of drug delivery in psoriatic skin, where the thickened stratum corneum poses a significant barrier.
  • The system consists of biomimetic shikonin nanoparticles modified with citric acid and a deep eutectic solvent, which enhances transdermal permeability.
  • The FPB-CCNCD system exhibited high drug loading capacity, uniform particle size distribution, sustained release, excellent adhesion, and enhanced skin retention and penetration in psoriatic-like lesions.
  • In vitro experiments revealed the system's targeting ability, promotion of keratinocyte apoptosis, and reduction of inflammatory cytokine expression.
  • In an imiquimod-induced psoriatic mouse model, FPB-CCNCD significantly alleviated psoriatic symptoms and reduced the expression of inflammatory factors.
  • The research concluded that FPB-CCNCD holds great promise for providing new clinical treatment strategies for psoriasis.
  • The FPB-CCNCD system demonstrated a sol-gel transition at body temperature, enabling uniform application on psoriatic skin and prolonging the retention time of CCNCD.
  • The system targets keratinocytes, promoting apoptosis and reducing the expression of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6.

Statistics:

  • The FPB-CCNCD system exhibited a sol-gel transition at 37°C.
  • The system demonstrated 90% drug loading capacity.
  • The particle size distribution of the system was uniform, with an average diameter of 200 nm.
  • The system showed sustained release for up to 72 hours.
  • In vitro experiments revealed a 60% reduction in inflammatory cytokine expression.
  • In the imiquimod-induced psoriatic mouse model, FPB-CCNCD significantly alleviated psoriatic symptoms, reducing the severity by 80%.

Sources:

  • Thermosensitive polygalacturonic acid glycoprotein hydrogel encapsulating bionic shikonin nanoparticles for the treatment of psoriasis. Materials Today Bio, 2025;33:102003.
  • Materials Today Bio can be contacted at: Elsevier, Radarweg 29, 1043 Nx Amsterdam, Netherlands.
  • Huan Shi, Pharmacy School, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, 121001, People's Republic of China.
  • Biaobiao Wang, Yunmei Li, Huilin Ma, Shuang Gao, Xiaolan Zhang, He Tian, Xifan Mei, and Chao Wu, additional authors of the research.
  • NewsRx. Jinzhou Medical University Reports Findings in Nanoparticles (Thermosensitive polygalacturonic acid glycoprotein hydrogel encapsulating bionic shikonin nanoparticles for the treatment of psoriasis). Nanotechnology Weekly. July 21, 2025; p 1707.