Superoxide Dismutase-Mimetic Polyphenol-Based Carbon Dots for Multimodal Bioimaging and Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis

• DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c02634
• Publication Date: 2024-04-30T10:20:10Z
• Authors: Jeongmin Han; Sumi Choi; Jinwoo Hong; Dayeong Gang; Seunghoon Lee; Kwangsoo Shin; Junghyeon Ko; Jeong-Uk Kim; Nathaniel S. Hwang; Young-Hyeon An; Minsu Gu; Su-Hwan Kim
• Keywords: Mice; Superoxide Dismutase; Quantum Dots; Animals; Humans; Polyphenols; Reactive Oxygen Species; Catechin; Carbon; Antioxidants; Dermatitis, Atopic

Polyphenols have been investigated for their potential to mitigate inflammation in the context of atopic dermatitis (AD). In this study, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)-based carbon dots (EGCG@CDs) were developed to enhance transdermal penetration, reduce inflammation, recapitulate superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and provide antimicrobial effects for AD treatment. The water-soluble EGCG@CDs in a few nanometers size exhibit a negative zeta potential, making them suitable for effective transdermal penetration. The fluorescence properties, including an upconversion effect, make EGCG@CDs suitable imaging probes for both in vitro and in vivo applications. By mimicking the SOD enzyme, EGCG@CDs scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and actively produce hydrogen peroxide through a highly catalytic capability toward the oxygen reduction reaction, resulting in the inhibition of bacterial growth. The enhanced antioxidant properties, high charge mobility, and various functional groups of EGCG@CDs prove effective in reducing intracellular ROS in an in vitro AD model. In the mouse AD model, EGCG@CDs incorporated into a hydrogel actively penetrated the epidermal layer, leading to ROS scavenging, reduced mast cell activation, and histological recovery of skin barriers. This research represents the versatile potential of EGCG@CDs in addressing AD and advancing tissue engineering.