Hyaluronic acid-cyclodextrin encapsulating paeonol for treatment of atopic dermatitis

The cyclodextrin (CD) was grafted onto hyaluronic acid (HA) to form a topical delivery carrier (HACD) in which Paeonol was loaded in its CD cavity and self-assemble into the polymeric micelles (HACD-PAE) for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Fluorescence microscope observed that HACD could fast penetrate into the skin and remain stable within 12 h. In vitro penetration test (IVPT) results showed the PAE retentions of HACD-PAE group in the stratum corneum and dermis were 3.35 and 1.78 times improvement than that of PAE group. ATR-FTIR and H&E staining assays indicated HACD could increase the gap of keratinocytes by interacting with corneum lipids and loosening the keratin. Furthermore, HACD-PAE showed the best therapeutic effect on atopic dermatitis mice. Thus HACD could be a promising skin-specific delivery carrier, not only promoting the drug penetrating but increasing its remaining in the skin and play the skin disease therapy and skin-care role.