Metal-Phenolic Networks Enable Biomimetic Antioxidant Interfaces Through Nanocellulose Engineering.

Summary

The study introduces an MPN-coated, carboxylated nanocellulose Pickering emulsion that stabilizes oxidation-sensitive actives. It retains α-tocopherol (94% over 50 days), reduces cellular ROS by 80%, and mitigates UV-induced damage in reconstructed human skin, suggesting a sustainable alternative to synthetic antioxidant systems for topical formulations.

Key Findings

• MPN-decorated carboxyl-functionalized cellulose nanofibers form a stable antioxidant Pickering emulsion validated by DLVO modeling and rheology.
• Achieved 94% α-tocopherol retention over 50 days and an 80% reduction in cellular ROS.
• In reconstructed human skin, preserved stratum corneum integrity and suppressed UV-induced MMP-1 expression.

Clinical Implications

Supports development of topical products with improved antioxidant stability and efficacy, potentially reducing UV-induced dermal damage and enhancing stratum corneum integrity without relying on synthetic stabilizers.

Limitations

• Lacks clinical (in vivo) testing on human subjects.
• Long-term safety and compatibility across diverse actives and formulations remain to be established.

Future Directions

Evaluate performance with broader active payloads, conduct human patch/clinical studies for efficacy and tolerability, and assess manufacturability at scale with life-cycle sustainability metrics.