Penetration of Polyphenols through Acetic Acid Damaged Skin

Previously, we showed that taxifolin derivatives, taxifolin pentaglutarate and a conjugate of taxifolin with glyoxylic acid, improve the mechanical properties of collagen-based materials. In the process of degradation of such materials, biologically active polyphenols are released into the surrounding medium. Two approaches were used to assess the penetration of polyphenols through damaged skin. In the case of taxifolin pentaglutarate and taxifolin (used for comparison), a fluorescent label was introduced into the structure of the polyphenol. In the case of the conjugate, a fluorescent analogue was obtained. It has been shown that the application of polyphenolic compounds on the damaged skin leads to the formation of a fluorescent layer on its surface. Fluorescent derivatives of taxifolin and taxifolin pentaglutarate have been found to accumulate in hair follicles. In the case of taxifolin, fluorescence was observed in deeper layers of the dermis than in the case of taxifolin pentaglutarate, indicating better penetration of taxifolin. The fluorescent analog accumulated in the appendages of the skin to a lesser extent than other compounds. Thus, the data we obtained indicate the accumulation of polyphenols in the hair follicles, from which they can gradually be released into the surrounding tissue. In general, the results we obtained indicate that biologically active polyphenols are able to exert a prolonged effect when applied topically. This may be important in the treatment of burns, in particular in the treatment of second-degree burns, in which many skin derivatives remain intact.