Microfluidic Manipulation of Gentiopicroside-Loaded Liposome Nanoparticles for Antiphotoaging Skin Therapies

A novel formulation for comprehensive skin repair was developed in this study using gentiopicroside (GPS) encapsulated within natural lecithin-derived liposome nanoparticles via microfluidics to address the current challenge faced in facial well-being. A ring-shaped novel microfluidic device was first designed with the assistance of a COMSOL simulation for developing liposome nanoparticles. A gentiopicroside liposome (GPS Lips) delivery system was then established using the device, and the effects of total flow rate (TFR), flow rate ratio (FRR), phospholipid concentration, and phospholipid type on liposome particle size and polydispersity index (PDI) were systematically investigated. The therapeutic potential of the developed GPS Lips was examined, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, using the HaCaT UVB-induced damage model. The optimized GPS Lips exhibited a particle size of 138.7 nm, a PDI of 0.171, and an encapsulation efficiency of 34.7% (TFR = 840 μL/min, FRR = 7:1, GPS concentration = 0.2 mg/mL, and phospholipid/cholesterol = 1.33:1). It was demonstrated that the GPS Lips effectively scavenged reactive oxygen species generated by UVB exposure and significantly reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor A. The obtained liposomal formulation significantly improved the cellular uptake and bioavailability of GPS, thereby enhancing its protective efficacy against UVB-induced cytotoxicity. It was thus suggested by these findings that GPS Lips represent a promising nanocarrier system for enhanced transdermal delivery with potential applications in skin repair and antiphotoaging therapies.