A New Nanofiber Patch Design for Delivering Omega-3s to Skin

Researchers designed a specialized skin patch made of ultra-thin fibers with a two-layer structure: an inner core holding omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) from fish oil ethyl esters, and an outer shell made of plant-based polysaccharides (alginate and carrageenan). This ‘core-shell’ design was created using a technique called coaxial electrospinning, aiming to protect the fragile, oxidation-prone omega-3 oils while allowing them to be released slowly onto the skin.

After optimizing the manufacturing process, the team produced smooth, defect-free fibers. Lab testing showed the patches absorbed moisture, swelled appropriately at a skin-like pH, and released the omega-3 oils gradually over five days, with about 88% of the DHA and 73% of the EPA eventually released. The release pattern suggested the oils moved out of the fibers mainly through diffusion.

When tested on human skin cells (fibroblasts) in the lab, the patches were well tolerated, with cell survival above 91%, and appeared to support wound-closure behavior in a scratch-healing test. Interestingly, when the omega-3 oils became oxidized, the patches showed stronger antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (a common skin bacterium) compared to non-oxidized versions.