Shikonin-Loaded Nanoparticles Attenuate Particulate Matter-Induced Skin Injury by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Inflammation.

ABSTRACT: Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) poses a major threat to skin health, yet effective prevention strategies remain limited. Shikonin, a naphthoquinone derived from Lithospermum erythrorhizon, exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, its therapeutic application is limited by low bioavailability. To address this limitation, we developed shikonin-loaded nanoparticles (SH-NPs) using an emulsion solvent evaporation method and characterized their physicochemical properties. The protective effects of SH-NPs against PM2.5-induced skin damage were evaluated in a mouse model. The SH-NPs exhibited favorable characteristics, including a mean particle size of 209.03 ± 2.45 nm, a PDI of 0.064 ± 0.03, and a zeta potential of -17.69 ± 2.06 mV. The encapsulation effic

SUBMITTER: Huang F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12649448 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature