Development of PVA/HA-dissolving microneedles containing Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl. stem extract for antioxidant activity
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Abstract
Acanthus ebracteatus Vahl. has been reported in Thai herbal medicine for treating various ailments, such as skin diseases, and for skin health promotion. This study aimed to determine the antioxidant efficacy of the extract and to develop dissolving microneedles. Stems and leaves were extracted, and their antioxidant activities (DPPH assay and total phenolic content) were evaluated. Characterization of the dissolving microneedles was then performed. The results indicated that the % yield of the stem and leaf extract was 8.02 ± 1.34 % and 6.04 ± 0.13 %, respectively. The stem contained a higher total phenolic content than the leaf, showing 19.75 ± 1.33 and 15.02 ± 2.07 mg of gallic acid equivalent per gram, respectively. The concentration of the extracts required to inhibit 50% of DPPH radicals (IC50) was 130.28 ± 2.29 µg/mL for the stem and 254.23 ± 3.52 µg/mL for the leaf. These extracts were non-toxic to keratinocytes. The optimal ratio of PVA and HA in the dissolving microneedles was 8:2. The height of the needles was 449.36 ± 4.89 µm, and the base width was 224.04 ± 2.81 µm, which indicates that they could completely penetrate the first layer of Parafilm. Moreover, the mechanical strength indicated that the PVA:HA (8:2) microneedles experienced a lower percent height reduction compared to others, while showing rapid dissolution. Finally, the PVA/HA-dissolving microneedles containing the extract show potential for transdermal delivery.
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