Vitamin K (Menadione)-incorporated chitosan/alginate hydrogel as a novel product for periorbital hyperpigmentation

Abstract

The possibility of controlling periorbital hyperpigmentation disorders is one of the most important research goals in cosmetic preparations. In the current investigation, 1% vitamin K (Vit K) was incorporated into a Chitosan/alginate hydrogel which aimed to increase the dermal delivery and anti-pigmentation effect. The Vit K-hydrogel was evaluated using several different tests, including volume expansion/contraction analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet (UV) absorbance spectroscopy, and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. Vit K hydrogel’s drug release profile showed a steady increase over time. Furthermore, the modified Vit K hydrogel formulations showed no harmful effects in an in vitro cytotoxicity study. The Vit K hydrogel was tested for dermal irritation on Wistar rats, and the hydrogel was found to be non-irritating. Furthermore, Vit K-hydrogel inhibited melanin formation (31.76 ± 1.14%) and was remarkably higher than free Vit K. In addition, Vit K-hydrogel inhibited L-dopa auto-oxidation to a greater extent (94.80 ± 2.41%) in comparison with Vit K solution (73.95 ± 1.62%). Vit K-hydrogel enhanced percutaneous transport of Vit K, according to in vitro percutaneous absorption findings, suggesting that this innovative formulation may provide new therapeutic options for periorbital hyperpigmentation.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• Vitamin K
• hydrogel
• percutaneous delivery
• periorbital hyperpigmentation disorders

Authors’ contributions

Zahra Rezanejad Gatabi: Methodology, Investigation, Writing original draft. Seyyed Mobin Rahimnia: Methodology, Investigation, Writing original draft. Katayoun Morteza-Semnani: Supervision, Review & Editing. Rezvan Yazdian-Robati: Methodology, Investigation. Seyyed Mohammad Hassan Hashemi: Supervision, Review & Editing. Majid Saeedi: Supervision, Review & Editing.

Disclosure statement

No conflicts of interest were reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Data will be available upon request.

Additional information

Funding

The Research Council at Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences has funded the present study with grant number 14702.