Abstract: Objective: To prepare the epigallocatechin-3-gallate-gelatin nanoparticles (EGCG-N) and investigate its in vitro transdermal diffusion characteristics. Methods: The particle size, zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency of EGCG-N were measured by laser scattering particle size distribution analyzer and ultrafiltration-HPLC method. The percutaneous diffusion characteristics of the EGCG-N were detected by Franz diffuser device. Results: The EGCG-N had an average size of (72.63±0.47) nm with surface charge of -28.0 mV. The drug-loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency of EGCG were (29.82±2.16)% and (83.91±0.93)%, respectively. The cumulative penetration concentration and drug retention concentration of the EGCG-N were (133.77±22.79)μg/cm² and (492.57±37.68)μg/g, respectively,which were significant higher than that in EGCG-solution (53.30±21.12)μg/cm² and (165.88±17.96)μg/g (Ps<0.01). Conclusion: EGCG-N is prepared simply and can improve the precutaneous permeability of EGCG.

Key words: epigallocatechin-3-gallate, nanoparticles, percutaneous absorption