Preparation of a quercetin-loaded porous microsphere gel for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in BALB/c mice

Abstract

Quercetin exhibits distinct therapeutic effects on various dermatologic diseases, including atopic dermatitis (AD), which is the most prevalent inflammatory skin disease, and psoriasis. The present study is aimed at developing a gel composed of quercetin-loaded porous microspheres and evaluating its therapeutic efficacy in mice with DNFB (2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene)-induced AD. Carbomer, a high molecular weight, hydrophilic, non-toxic, and non-irritating cross-linked acrylic polymer, was utilized in the formulation. Gel formulations containing carbomer demonstrate excellent adhesive properties and exhibit sustained drug release over 24 hours in our study. Building on prior research, ethyl cellulose-based microspheres of quercetin were prepared using a quasi-emulsion-solvent diffusion method. These microspheres were then dispersed in Carbomer 934 to create the microsphere-containing gel. The effects of the quercetin porous microsphere gel on DNFB-induced AD in mice were assessed through the atopic dermatitis area severity index scoring, spleen index assay, histopathological analysis, and measurement of inflammatory cytokines. Results from the animal studies indicated that the quercetin porous microsphere gel exhibited therapeutic effects. This study demonstrates that the quercetin porous microsphere gel shows promise as a carrier for the topical administration of quercetin in the treatment of AD.