Eupafolin Nanoparticles Protect HaCaT Keratinocytes from Particulate Matter-Induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

The 2016 study explored the development and effects of eupafolin nanoparticles (ENDS) on skin cells (HaCaT keratinocytes) exposed to particulate matter (PM), which causes inflammation and oxidative stress. ENDS, which encapsulated eupafolin—a flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties—improved its water solubility and skin penetration. The study found that ENDS significantly reduced PM-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in keratinocytes more effectively than raw eupafolin. This was evidenced by decreased production of reactive oxygen species, reduced activity of NADPH oxidase, and lower expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and prostaglandin E2. ENDS also downregulated the MAPK and NF-kB signaling pathways. The study concluded that ENDS has potential as a medicinal or cosmeceutical intervention for preventing PM-induced skin damage. The exact number of cell samples or repetitions of experiments was not specified in the summary provided.