Hypericum scabrum L.-infused locust bean gum/agar hydrogel film: A novel candidate for anti-aging facial mask applications

This study investigated the anti-aging potential of Hypericum scabrum L. extract and developed a biopolymerbased hydrogel film designed for use as a facial mask. The research evaluated key anti-aging properties, such as the inhibition of collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase enzymes, as well as antioxidant activity, and the cytotoxic, genotoxic, and antigenotoxic effects of the extract. Furthermore, the chemical profile of the extract was thoroughly analyzed using LC-MS/MS. The development of a hydrogel film containing locust bean gum (LBG), agar, and glycerol, integrated with H. scabrum extract, was undertaken to provide an innovative and environmentally sustainable solution for skin aging. The structural and functional characteristics of the hydrogel were analyzed using SEM, XRD, FTIR, and TGA/DTA. Additionally, mechanical testing, swelling, weight loss, thickness, in vitro release kinetics, and antibacterial properties were assessed. The H. scabrum extract demonstrated substantial collagenase inhibition, pronounced antioxidant effects, and no genotoxicity, while also exhibiting notable antigenotoxicity (24-69 %). SEM analysis revealed that the unswollen hydrogel had a uniform, smooth surface, while swelling led to a moderately rough texture with pore formation. The hydrogel exhibited rapid swelling (106 +/- 1.52 %) and drug release (34.4 +/- 0.21 %) within the first 10 min. Thickness and weight loss were within optimal ranges, and the hydrogel exhibited antibacterial activity against methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). These findings suggest that the H. scabrum-infused hydrogel film has the potential to serve as a promising candidate for use as an anti-aging facial mask, offering effective anti-aging benefits in an eco-friendly, biocompatible, and sustainable formulation.