Puerarin-Loaded Proniosomal Gel: Formulation, Characterization, In Vitro Antimelanoma Cytotoxic Potential, and In Ovo Irritation Assessment

TL;DR

A new gel formulation containing Puerarin was developed to improve its topical delivery and test its potential against melanoma.

Contribution

The study introduces a proniosomal gel formulation of Puerarin for enhanced topical delivery and evaluates its antimelanoma potential and safety.

Findings

The Puerarin-loaded gel showed a 62% entrapment efficiency and favorable physicochemical properties for topical use.

In vitro tests showed the gel reduced melanoma cell viability and disrupted mitochondrial networks.

The formulation was classified as non-irritant in an in ovo irritation assessment.

Abstract

Puerarin is a naturally occurring isoflavone with reported anticancer activity, yet its topical translation is constrained by limited stability and suboptimal dermal delivery. A Puerarin-loaded proniosomal gel was developed as a potential dermal delivery platform, and we performed an initial assessment of its antimelanoma activity and safety. The gel was produced by coacervation–phase separation using Span 60, Tween 80, phosphatidylcholine, and cholesterol. Physicochemical characterization included pH, entrapment efficiency, rheology, FTIR, DSC, and vesicle properties (DLS, PDI, ζ-potential). In silico geometry optimization and docking were carried out for melanoma-associated targets (MITF and DNMT3B). Biological effects were investigated in vitro on A375 melanoma cells using MTT, morphological analysis, and nuclear/mitochondrial staining, while irritation potential was evaluated in ovo by HET-CAM. The optimized formulation exhibited a skin-compatible pH and an entrapment efficiency of 62 ± 0.26%. DLS indicated a multimodal population, with a major number-weighted vesicle population in the 100–200 nm range, and a ζ-potential of −34.9 ± 0.14 mV. FTIR and DSC supported component incorporation without evidence of chemical incompatibility. The gel showed non-Newtonian, pseudoplastic, thixotropic flow, which is advantageous for topical use. Docking predicted meaningful affinities of Puerarin toward MITF and DNMT3B. The formulation reduced A375 viability in a dose-dependent manner (to 44.66% at 200 µg/mL) and, at higher concentrations, produced nuclear condensation and disruption of the mitochondrial network. HET-CAM classified the gel as non-irritant. The Puerarin-loaded proniosomal gel represents a promising topical platform with preliminary in vitro antimelanoma cytotoxic potential, warranting additional studies to validate skin delivery, efficacy, and safety.

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