Electrospun Nanofiber Films Containing Hesperidin and Ofloxacin for the Inhibition of Inflammation and Psoriasis: A Potential In vitro Study.

Introduction: Nanofiber (NF) films have emerged as a promising alternative for treating psoriasis. Based on their specific characteristics, they have distinguished themselves from other topical dosage forms, such as hydrogels, foams, and sponges. This research focuses on making biocompatible and biodegradable nanofibers out of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) and gelatin, by adding Hesperidin (HPN) and Ofloxacin (OFX) as medicines.

Methods: HPN-OFX-integrated nanofiber (HPN-OFXNF) films were prepared using the electrospinning technique. Subsequently, the surface morphology, entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug diffusion, as well as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-psoriasis properties were investigated.

Results: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that the produced nanofibers exhibited smooth surfaces through diameters from 50.67 to 114.4 nm. Most of the nanofibers exhibited a moderate entrapment efficacy of around 69.3 ± 1.8% for OFX and 45.63 ± 1.6% for HPN. In vitro HPN and OFX release showed a biphasic trend of an early burst trailed through a sustained pattern after approximately 48 h, depending on the surface area and diameter of the fibers. In vitro, antimicrobial testing of the films demonstrated higher inhibition zones (24.89 ± 3.2 and 42.46 ± 4.4 mm) against E. coli and S. aureus. The anti-inflammatory assay indicated that the activity was doubled with HPN-OFX-loaded nanofibers, compared to pure HPN. Moreover, the NF films had stronger antioxidant activities with a higher scavenging of DPPH and hydroxyl radicals. HPN-OFXNF films have been demonstrated to possess stronger antiproliferative activities than pure HPN on human keratinocytes in follow-up experiments showing an IC50 value of 64.6 ± 3.4 μg/mL.

Conclusion: This therapy, which includes a combined anti-inflammatory and antibacterial treatment strategy with an innovative drug delivery system, has proven to be a promising development in treating psoriasis.