Scientists created tiny capsules filled with vitamin B12 and a common anti-inflammatory drug that can penetrate deep into skin when applied as a cream or patch. These capsules, called transfersomes, were tested on mice with different types of skin inflammation. The results showed that both formulations reduced swelling, redness, and the body’s inflammatory response in chronic skin conditions. This research represents the first complete study showing that this nanotechnology approach could offer a new way to treat long-lasting skin problems with fewer side effects than current treatments.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether tiny fat-based capsules containing vitamin B12 or a drug called cyclosporine A could better treat skin inflammation when applied to the skin
  • Who participated: Laboratory mice with different types of induced skin inflammation (acute and chronic models). No human participants were involved in this study.
  • Key finding: Transfersomal formulations—a special type of flexible capsule—successfully reduced inflammation markers, swelling, and skin damage in chronic inflammatory skin conditions in mice, with vitamin B12 formulations showing particular promise in acute inflammation models
  • What it means for you: This research suggests a potential new treatment approach for stubborn skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, but human studies are needed before this technology becomes available as a treatment. Results in mice don’t always translate directly to humans.

The Research Details

Researchers created three different types of tiny fat-based capsules (liposomes, transfersomes, and ethosomes) designed to carry either vitamin B12 or cyclosporine A deep into the skin. They tested these capsules in laboratory mice that had different types of skin inflammation—some had acute (sudden) inflammation and others had chronic (long-lasting) inflammation. The scientists measured how well each formulation reduced swelling, redness, immune cell buildup, and other signs of inflammation. They also examined skin tissue under a microscope to see if the treatments prevented damage.

Most anti-inflammatory drugs are too large to penetrate deep into skin when applied topically, which limits their effectiveness. This study’s approach of wrapping drugs in flexible capsules is important because it could allow medications to reach deeper skin layers where inflammation occurs, potentially improving treatment outcomes while reducing side effects from systemic (whole-body) treatments.

This is a well-designed laboratory study with comprehensive testing across multiple inflammation models. The researchers characterized their formulations thoroughly and used established animal models of skin inflammation. However, this is pre-clinical research (animal studies only), so results haven’t been tested in humans yet. The study provides complete data on formulation development and testing, which strengthens confidence in the methodology.

What the Results Show

The transfersomal formulations (the flexible capsule type) performed best overall. In acute inflammation tests, the vitamin B12 formulation reduced swelling and immune cell infiltration. In chronic inflammation models, both the cyclosporine A and vitamin B12 formulations showed impressive results: they reduced pro-inflammatory markers (chemical signals that cause inflammation), decreased the number of immune cells invading the skin, reduced swelling, and prevented visible skin damage when examined under a microscope. The formulations essentially helped the skin return to a more normal, healthy state.

Conventional liposomes and ethosomes (the other two capsule types tested) showed less consistent results compared to transfersomes. The transfersomal design appears to be superior for delivering these drugs through skin barriers. The research also confirmed that both drugs have anti-inflammatory potential when properly delivered, validating the choice of these medications for the study.

Previous research suggested that both vitamin B12 and cyclosporine A might help with inflammatory skin conditions, but those studies didn’t provide clear information about how to formulate these drugs for better skin penetration. This is the first comprehensive study demonstrating that nanotechnology-based delivery systems can effectively get these drugs into skin and produce measurable anti-inflammatory effects. This represents a significant advancement in the field.

This study was conducted only in mice, not humans, so results may not translate directly to human skin conditions. The study doesn’t include comparisons to currently available skin treatments, so we don’t know if this approach is better than existing options. Long-term safety and potential side effects haven’t been evaluated. The exact doses and application methods for human use haven’t been determined. Additional research is needed to understand how these formulations would work on human skin.

The Bottom Line

This research is promising but preliminary. It suggests that transfersomal formulations of vitamin B12 or cyclosporine A warrant further investigation in human studies. Currently, this technology is not available as a treatment. People with chronic inflammatory skin conditions should continue using their current prescribed treatments while researchers work toward human trials. (Confidence level: Low to Moderate—this is early-stage research)

People with chronic inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis should find this interesting as a potential future option. Dermatologists and researchers in skin disease treatment should pay attention to this nanotechnology approach. People currently using cyclosporine A for skin conditions might eventually benefit from a topical version with fewer side effects. This research is less relevant for people with mild or occasional skin irritation.

If human trials begin soon, it could take 5-10 years before this technology becomes available as a commercial treatment. Even then, it would likely start with clinical use in severe cases before becoming widely available. Patients should not expect this treatment to be available in the near future.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily skin inflammation symptoms using a simple 1-10 scale (1=clear skin, 10=severe inflammation), noting affected areas, itching intensity, and any visible redness or swelling. Take weekly photos of affected areas to visually document changes over time.
  • When this technology becomes available, users could set daily reminders to apply the formulation at consistent times, log application dates, and note any changes in symptoms within 24-48 hours to identify personal response patterns.
  • Establish a baseline skin condition assessment before starting any new treatment. Track weekly inflammation scores, photograph affected areas under consistent lighting, monitor for any adverse reactions, and compare monthly trends to assess long-term effectiveness. Share data with healthcare providers during regular check-ins.

This research describes early-stage laboratory studies in mice and does not represent approved human treatments. These formulations are not currently available for human use. Anyone with inflammatory skin conditions should consult with a dermatologist about current, evidence-based treatment options. This article is for educational purposes only and should not be used to make medical decisions. Do not attempt to create or use these formulations without professional medical guidance. Always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for treating skin conditions.