Ricerc@Sapienza

In the present work, the preparation, characterization and therapeutic potential of baicalin-loaded nanohydrogels are reported. The nanohydrogels were prepared by sonicating (S nanohydrogel) or autoclaving (A nanohydrogel) a dispersion of cholesterol-derivatized gellan in phosphate buffer. The nanohydrogel obtained by
autoclave treatment showed the most promising results: smaller particles (∼362 nm vs. ∼530 nm), higher
homogeneity (polydispersity index = ∼0.24 vs. ∼0.47), and lower viscosity than those obtained by sonication.
In vitro studies demonstrated the ability of the nanohydrogels to favour the deposition of baicalin in the epidermis. A high biocompatibility was found for baicalin-loaded nanohydrogels, along with a great ability to
counteract the toxic effect induced by hydrogen peroxide in cells, as the nanohydrogels re-established the normal
conditions (∼100% viability). Further, the potential of baicalin-loaded nanohydrogels in skin wound healing
was demonstrated in vivo in mice by complete skin restoration and inhibition of specific inflammatory markers
(i.e., myeloperoxidase, tumor necrosis factor-α, and oedema)