Electrospun PVP/HPBCD nanofiber topical drug delivery platform for enhanced skin permeability and anti-pollution bioactivity of Artocarpus altilis extract

Artocarpus altilis methanolic extract (AAM) exhibits potent protective effects against particulate matter (PM)-induced skin damage; however, its poor aqueous solubility and limited skin permeability restrict its topical bioavailability. To overcome these limitations, we developed a polymer-based drug delivery system by fabricating electrospun nanofibers composed of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPBCD), and AAM. The optimized formulation engineering strategy enhanced AAM solubility via increased surface area, reduced crystallinity, and hydrogen bonding interactions with HPBCD/PVP. The nanofiber matrix also provided an occlusive effect, improving skin hydration and facilitating transdermal diffusion through the stratum corneum. In vitro studies demonstrated improved cellular uptake, greater permeability, and enhanced antioxidant activity, leading to superior anti-pollution efficacy compared to raw AAM in a PM-induced HaCaT keratinocyte model. These results highlight AAM-loaded electrospun nanofibers (ANFs) as a biodegradable, and environmentally sustainable platform for delivering plant-derived bioactive ingredient, offering high potential for advanced topical formulations targeting pollution-induced skin aging.