CARBOMER

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by dryness and itching. Steroids are the most common therapeutic agents, may induce skin atrophy, and damage the skin barrier. Therefore, we need to find a safer alternative option. Liquiritin (LQ), a flavonoid compound extracted from licorice rhizomes, possesses anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of LQ on AD, focusing on its potential skin barrier-protective and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. In this research, we prepared liquiritin carbomer gel (LQ-CG) and assessed its treatment effects on mice with AD triggered by 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB). It effectively attenuated AD progression by ameliorating skin lesions, decreasing epidermal thickness and mast cell infiltration, downregulating inflammatory cytokine levels, and restoring the expression of claudin-1, loricrin, and occludin. It also inhibited the release of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, and showed no significant toxicity to major organs in mice. In summary, our findings demonstrate that LQ-CG can effectively alleviate atopic symptoms by repairing the skin barrier and inhibiting inflammatory responses without causing significant changes in organ indices.

Skin wound healing is a complex biological process requiring coordinated cellular responses and extracellular matrix remodeling. Type III collagen (COL3A) plays a critical role in early-stage tissue repair, but its direct application is limited by poor stability and transdermal delivery. In this study, a sterile transdermal peptide-recombinant type III collagen (transdermal peptide-hCOL3A) hydrogel was developed to enhance biological activity and promote wound healing. The hydrogel was formulated using a carbomer matrix combined with trehalose, propylene glycol, triethanolamine, and the transdermal peptide-hCOL3A protein. Protein integrity was confirmed via SDS-PAGE analysis. The resulting hydrogel exhibited uniform structure and favorable physical properties. A full-thickness skin defect model in mice was established to evaluate therapeutic efficacy. Compared with the control hydrogel, the transdermal peptide-hCOL3A-loaded hydrogel significantly accelerated wound closure, as evidenced by faster reduction in wound area and improved healing progression over 7-8 days. These results demonstrate that the transdermal peptide-hCOL3A hydrogel effectively enhances wound healing, likely by improving collagen bioavailability and supporting tissue regeneration. This study provides a promising strategy for the development of advanced biomaterials for skin repair. © 2026 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Cyathula officinalis Kuan, a medicinal plant used in traditional medicine, remains underexplored as a source of structurally defined wound-repair polysaccharides. In this study, a water-soluble polysaccharide fraction, CoPS, was isolated from C. officinalis roots and structurally characterized using methylation analysis and 1D/2D NMR spectroscopy. Purified CoPS had a total carbohydrate content of 94.8%, a weight-average molecular weight ( M w ) of 7.491 kDa, and a narrow dispersity ( M w / M n = 1.04). Monosaccharide composition analysis showed that CoPS was mainly composed of fructose and glucose at a molar ratio of 95.60:4.40. Structural analyses identified CoPS as a branched levan-type fructan with a β-(2→6)-linked fructofuranosyl backbone and β-(2→1)-linked branching motifs. CoPS was incorporated into a Carbomer/alginate topical formulation, termed CoPS-CPG, and evaluated in vitro and in vivo. CoPS-CPG showed good cytocompatibility and promoted HaCaT keratinocyte migration, reducing the residual scratch area to 48.10% at 12 h compared with 70.13% in the control group and 65.18% in the vehicle (Blank-CPG) group. In a murine full-thickness excisional wound model, CoPS-CPG reduced the residual wound area to 8.70 ± 1.20% on day 14, compared with 24.83 ± 1.51% in the control group and 14.20 ± 0.72% in the vehicle group. Histological and immunological analyses further indicated improved tissue reconstruction, a reduced inflammatory burden, enhanced CD206-associated macrophage signals, increased CD31-associated vascular structures, improved α-SMA-associated perivascular coverage, and lower late-stage HIF-1α expression. These findings identify CoPS as a structurally defined plant-derived levan-type fructan that supports cutaneous wound repair.

The aim of this study was to develop and characterize a soft gel dosage form based on an ethanol extract and essential oil from the rhizomes of Iris scariosa L., and to evaluate its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Plant material was extracted using ultrasonic extraction with ethanol of varying concentrations. Phytochemical composition was analyzed by HPLC and GC-MS. Carbomer-based gels were formulated and assessed for physicochemical properties, rheological behavior, stability, and release of active compounds. The highest extraction yield (21.16%) was achieved with 70% ethanol. The extract contained phenolic compounds, mainly epicatechin and gallic acid, as well as flavonoids such as naringin and phlorizin. The essential oil was rich in medium-chain fatty acids. The developed gels were transparent, homogeneous, and exhibited stable pH values within the physiological skin range, along with pseudoplastic flow behavior. Significant antioxidant activity was observed in both the extract and gel in reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation models. In a formalin-induced inflammation model, the gel significantly reduced paw edema. These findings demonstrate the potential of the Iris scariosa -based gel as a promising phytopharmaceutical formulation for topical application.

There have been several reports of patients with chronic recalcitrant diseases, rare presentations, recurrent relapses, and treatment failure. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate the safety profile of topical voriconazole (VCZ) gel 0.25% for effective drug delivery to the skin as an adjuvant therapy in cases of extensive dermatophytosis. VCZ 0.25% topical gel was manufactured by Carbomer, and its characteristics such as pH, viscosity, density, and microbial growth were examined at 40 ± 2°C/75 ± 5% RH for six months. The animals were divided into three groups (2:2:2) randomly. The hair from the back of guinea pigs (test sites: 2 cm 2 ) was shaven, and their skin was scraped slightly using a single-use scalpel. Afterward, terbinafine drug-resistant Arthroderma benhamiae suspension (50 μL) was inoculated to a 2 cm 2 surface area of the shaven skin. Agar culture of scrapings from the area indicated the infection development. The fabricated VCZ topical gel exhibited acceptable stability. The VCZ 0.25% gel was proved to be an effective treatment in a time-dependent base, in comparison with terbinafine (1%) as a positive control ( p < 0.05). Furthermore, using gel base VCZ 0.25% reduced the period of full treatment of A. benhamiae infection to five days, compared with the 12-day complete cure by terbinafine. Results from the present study indicated that gel-based VCZ could be utilized as topical therapy for dermatophytosis. Due to the increase of drug-resistant dermatophyte spp., indications of gel base VCZ 0.25% for treating dermatophytosis are believed to increase accordingly.

There is increasing concern within the scientific community and the general population regarding the impacts of personal care product (PCP) use on human health and the environment. This article outlines evidence regarding the health and environmental impacts associated with PCP use. Specifically, it examines the impacts of intentionally added plastic particles or "microbeads"; microplastics and nanoplastics which are shed during plastic degradation from PCP packaging during use and once discarded in the environment; and chemicals of concern, including plastic-associated chemicals and nonplastic polymers not classified as plastics used in PCPs. Recommendations to reduce the impact of PCPs on human health and the environment will be discussed.

Volatile phytochemicals such as perillaldehyde (PAH) exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities relevant to wound repair; however, topical use is limited by volatility, chemical instability, and potential irritation associated with burst exposure. Here, we developed a nano-in-hydrogel dressing by encapsulating PAH into lipid nanoparticles (PAH-L) and incorporating them into a carbomer hydrogel (PAH-L-G). PAH-L showed a uniform nanoscale size distribution, high encapsulation efficiency, and good colloidal stability. After gel incorporation, PAH-L-G formed an interconnected porous network with rapid swelling and a more sustained release profile than free PAH or PAH-L. Hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility assays indicated low hemolysis and high fibroblast viability. In a full-thickness rat wound model, PAH-L-G accelerated wound closure and improved histological regeneration without obvious local irritation. Overall, the lipid-nanoparticle-in-hydrogel strategy stabilizes PAH and enables controlled topical delivery, supporting PAH-L-G as a promising wound dressing platform.

Resina Draconis (RD), a traditional Chinese medicinal resin renowned for its potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-repairing properties, holds promise for combating skin photoaging. However, its therapeutic translation has been hindered by the poor solubility and limited bioavailability of its principal bioactive constituents. In this study, we developed an RD-loaded polymeric micelle (RDPM) hydrogel to overcome these formulation challenges and evaluated its protective efficacy against UV-induced skin aging. The micellar system, composed of poloxamer surfactants and embedded within a carbomer hydrogel matrix, achieved high encapsulation efficiencies (~ 80-90%) for five representative bioactive constituents (loureirin A, loureirin B, 7,4'-dihydroxyflavone, resveratrol, and pterostilbene). The micellar hydrogel exhibited diffusion-governed release (~ 80% within 24 h), consistent with Higuchi kinetics. In vitro permeation studies confirmed efficient penetration of these actives across the stratum corneum and deposition within the viable epidermis and dermis, the target compartments for anti-photoaging action. In UV-irradiated mice, topical RDPM hydrogel treatment markedly ameliorated wrinkle formation and histopathological alterations, including epidermal hyperplasia, dermal-epidermal junction flattening, collagen loss, and elastotic degeneration. Untargeted metabolomic profiling further showed a treatment-associated normalization of UV-disrupted metabolic networks, consistent with improvement of redox balance, restoration of arginine-NO signaling, and preservation of mitochondrial function. A Draize skin irritation assay classified the formulation as non-irritating. Collectively, this study establishes RDPM hydrogel as a rationally designed topical delivery system that amplifies the pharmacodynamic benefits of RD, offering a mechanistically supported intervention for photoaging within the paradigm of modern Chinese medicinal pharmaceutics.

Wounds are susceptible to persistent infections and chronic inflammation, which can significantly impeding the healing process.Lamiophlomis rotata (Benth.) Kudo(LR), a traditional Tibetan medicine, is known for its efficacy in treating injuries, contusions, and skin ulcers. Existing LR-related formulations such as capsules and patches are primarily used for pain relief and cannot provide an optimal environment for infected wounds, thereby limiting their healing potential. In this study, we successfully extracted an extract of LR and confirmed its strong antibacterial activity, supporting its use in infected wound management. A gel matrix was developed using carbomer 940 (CP940) as the base, along with glycerol, 1,2-propanediol, and other excipients. The LR was incorporated into this matrix to obtain Lamiophlomis rotata (Benth.) Kudo gel (LR Gel). Rheological experiments characterized the adhesion and mechanical strength of LR Gel, confirming that it possesses sufficient adhesive force and mechanical strength to tightly adhere to and protect the wound site. Animal experiments showed that LR Gel effectively modulates immune activity and significantly promotes healing in a rat model of infectious full-thickness skin defects. These findings indicate that the LR Gel can prevent wound infection and secondary damage, offering a safe and efficient treatment for infected wounds with promising clinical application.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is the most prevalent form, with increasing incidence linked to factors such as drug resistance, HIV co-infection, and lack of effective vaccines. Amphotericin B (AmB) is an effective antileishmanial drug; however, its clinical use is limited by nephrotoxicity, high cost, and the requirement for parenteral administration. Therefore, there is a need for safer, non-invasive topical formulations with improved efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a novel Amphotericin B-loaded nanoemulsion gel (AmB-NEG) for the topical treatment of Leishmania major infection in mice. AmB was incorporated into a Carbomer 940-based nanoemulsion gel, and its physicochemical properties, including pH, stability, and particle size, were characterized. In vivo efficacy was assessed in BALB/c mice infected with L. major. Lesion size, splenic parasite burden (by qPCR), histopathological changes, and cytokine gene expression (IFN-γ, IL-12, IL-4, and IL-10) were evaluated. The optimized AmB-NEG exhibited uniform nanodroplets (< 50 nm), excellent stability, and a near-neutral pH suitable for dermal application. Topical AmB-NEG significantly reduced lesion size and splenic parasite burden compared with both untreated and conventional AmB-treated groups (P < 0.01). Histopathological analysis revealed reduced inflammation and parasite density, while qRT-PCR confirmed upregulation of Th1 cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-12) and downregulation of Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-10). The developed AmB-NEG demonstrated enhanced therapeutic efficacy and immunomodulatory activity against cutaneous leishmaniasis while minimizing systemic toxicity. This topical nanoformulation offers a promising, patient-friendly alternative to conventional AmB therapy and warrants further preclinical and clinical evaluation.

To evaluate clinical outcomes following diamond burr debridement (DBD) of spontaneous chronic corneal epithelial defects (SCCEDs) in dogs, and to identify predisposing factors and treatment choices that may affect outcomes. Medical records of dogs treated for SCCED by DBD between January 2018 and May 2023 at an ophthalmology referral centre were retrospectively reviewed. Data collected included breed, age, eye affected, prior treatment, co-morbidities, treatment after the DBD procedure, time to healing, further procedures, and complications. Outcomes were classified as normal healing (NH: ulcer healed ≤ 16 days) or delayed healing (DH: ulcer healed > 16 days). A total of 598 eyes from 521 dogs were analyzed. French bulldogs (21.4%), Boxers (16.4%), and Staffordshire bull terriers (8.4%) were the most common breeds affected. Overall, 405/598 eyes (67.7%) healed after a single DBD without further intervention (range: 6-55 days), with 370/598 eyes (61.9%) achieving healing within 16 days. Complications occurred in 49 eyes (8.2%) following DBD. In multivariable analysis, French bulldogs demonstrated significantly lower odds of normal healing and a higher risk of complications. Postoperative administration of oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and topical 0.2% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in carbomer were also associated with reduced odds of normal healing. Clinical outcomes following DBD for SCCEDs are influenced by breed, comorbidities, and postoperative treatments. French bulldogs are predisposed to delayed healing and complications, and the use of oral NSAIDs or topical EDTA in carbomer may adversely affect healing outcomes.