Transdermal Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Delivery with Surface Engineered Gold Nanoparticles

• DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b15914
• Publication Date: 2017-01-23T18:22:18Z
• Authors: Ying Chen; Yonghui Wu; Jining Gao; Zihao Zhang; Linjie Wang; Xi Chen; Junwei Mi; Yuanjiang Yao; Dongwei Guan; Bing Chen; Jianwu Dai
• Keywords: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; 0301 basic medicine; 03 medical and health sciences; Metal Nanoparticles; Gold; 02 engineering and technology; Administration, Cutaneous; 0210 nano-technology; Skin; 3. Good health

Skin injuries caused by burns or radiation remain a serious concern in terms of clinical therapy. Because of the damage to the epidermis or dermis, angiogenesis is needed to repair the skin. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most effective factors for promoting angiogenesis and preventing injury progression, but the delivery of VEGF to lesion sites is limited by the skin barrier. Recently, gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-mediated drug delivery into or through the epidermis and dermis has attracted much attention. However, the efficacy of the AuNP-mediated transdermal drug delivery remains unknown. In this study, gold nanoparticles were conjugated with VEGF and generated a surface by carrying negative charges, showing an ideal transdermal delivery efficacy for VEGF in wound repair. Our findings may provide new avenues for the treatment of cutaneous injuries.