Erianin-Loaded Photo-Responsive Dendrimer Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles: Exploration of a Psoriasis Treatment Method

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder accompanied by excessive keratinocyte proliferation. Erianin (Eri) is an ideal drug candidate for inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis in the treatment of psoriasis. However, Eri's poor water solubility and low penetration activity across the skin hinder its application in local medicine. In this study, we developed a novel photo-responsive dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticle-based carrier to deliver erianin, improved its bioavailability, and achieved sustained-release effects. Spiropyran (SP), 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), and perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane (PFDTES) were conjugated to the outer surface, which allowed Eri to be released in response to UV radiation. The physicochemical properties of photo-responsive dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Eri-DMSN@FSP) were characterized via multiple techniques, such as using a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer, a high-resolution transmission electron microscope, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The anti-proliferative properties and light-triggered release of erianin-loaded photo-responsive dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles were assessed via the MTT assay and a drug release study in vitro. Erianin-loaded photo-responsive dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (UV) exhibit a significantly enhanced HaCat cell-inhibiting efficacy compared to other formulations, as demonstrated by their extremely low cell viability of 10.0% (concentration: 500 mg/mL), indicating their capability to release a drug that responds to UV radiation. The cellular uptake of photo-responsive dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DMSN@FSP) was observed via confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). These experimental results show that Eri-DMSN@FSP could be effectively endocytosed into cells and respond to ultraviolet light to release Eri, achieving a more effective psoriasis treatment. Therefore, this drug delivery system may be a promising strategy for addressing the question of Eri's delivery and psoriasis therapy.

Keywords: drug delivery; erianin; mesoporous silica nanoparticles; photo-responsive; psoriasis.

Figure 1

(a) The synthesis process of DMSN@FSP. (b) The chemical structures of spiropyran. (c) The chemical structures of erianin.

Figure 2

TEM images of DMSN (a), DMSN@FSP, (b) and Eri-DMSN@FSP (c).

Figure 2

TEM images of DMSN (a), DMSN@FSP, (b) and Eri-DMSN@FSP (c).

Figure 3

(a) Nitrogen sorption isotherms; (b) BJH pore size distribution curve derived from the adsorption branches of DMSN.

Figure 4

DLS data. (a) Particle size distribution of DMSN and DMSN@FSP; (b) Zeta potential of DMSN and DMSN@FSP.

Figure 5

(a) ¹H NMR spectroscopy of SP−COOH; (b) solid-state ¹³C NMR spectroscopy of DMSN@FSP.

Figure 6

(a) Fourier−transform infrared spectroscopy of DMSN and DMSN@FSP. (b) Results of the XPS analysis of DMSN@FSP.

Figure 7

(a) Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) curves of DMSN, DMSN@FSP, Eri−DMSN@FSP, and Eri. (b) Differential scanning colorimetry (DSC) profile of DMSN, DMSN@FSP, Eri−DMSN@FSP, and Eri.

Figure 8

The in vitro release curves of Eri, Eri-DMSN, Eri-DMSN@FSP, and Eri-DMSN@FSP(UV) in PBS (pH 7.4).

Figure 9

(a) In vitro cytotoxicity study of blank DMSN@FSPs after 24 h treatment (n = 3, mean ± SD). (b) Cell viability of HaCat cells subject to treatment of Eri, Eri-DMSN, Eri-DMSN@FSP, and Eri-DMSN@FSP(UV) for 48 h (n = 3, mean ± SD), from three independent experiments. * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, **** p < 0.0001.

Figure 10

CLSM images of HaCat cells cultured in fresh DMEM, containing FITC-labeled DMSN@FSP for 2 h, 4 h, 8 h, and 24 h. The scale bars are 20 μm.