A Self-Assembled Jelleine-1 Nanoscale Hydrogel Boosted by Ascorbate for Atopic Dermatitis Therapy with Dual Antibacterial and Antioxidant Efficacy

Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is prone to recurrent episodes, posing numerous challenges in treatment, especially due to the systemic side effects often caused by existing medications. Effectively controlling microbial infections and modulating oxidative stress levels are key strategies in the treatment of AD. In the present study, we developed an injectable antimicrobial hydrogel (J-1-VcNa hydrogel), formed by the self-assembled nanofibers of the natural antimicrobial peptide Jelleine-1 in a phosphate buffer solution of the natural antioxidant sodium ascorbate (VcNa), without the addition of any cross-linking agents. The formation of J-1-VcNa hydrogel was primarily driven by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Our results indicated that it not only exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties but also possessed efficient reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capabilities. Notably, in a mouse model of AD, J-1-VcNa hydrogel demonstrated significant therapeutic potential, effectively reducing pathogen colonization and significantly improving AD skin lesions by modulating the oxidative stress-inflammatory cascade. Additionally, the hydrogel exhibited good biocompatibility and biodegradability. These findings suggested that J-1-VcNa hydrogel held potential for clinical use in the treatment of AD. Therefore, this study would offer a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of AD.