Author(s):
Nurul Hannah Ahmad Nidzar, Mazzura Wan Chik, Nor Khaizan Anuar, Muhammad ‘Izzuddin Zamery, Meor Mohd Redzuan Meor Mohd Affandi
Email(s):
meor@uitm.edu.my
DOI:
10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00693 
Address:
Nurul Hannah Ahmad Nidzar1, Mazzura Wan Chik1, Nor Khaizan Anuar1,2, Muhammad ‘Izzuddin Zamery1, Meor Mohd Redzuan Meor Mohd Affandi1*
1Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam 42300, Selangor, Malaysia.
2Non-Destructive Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Centre, iPROMISE, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam 42300, Selangor, Malaysia.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 19,
Issue - 10,
Year - 2026
ABSTRACT:
Wound healing is a complex physiological process involving haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and remodelling that is frequently impaired by oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Traditional wound care provides a passive physical barrier; however, it often fails to actively modulate the hostile wound microenvironment. Natural carotenoids such as astaxanthin have emerged as promising bioactive agents capable of addressing these biochemical imbalances due to their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review was conducted through a systematic search of electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, to retrieve peer-reviewed literature from in vitro, in vivo and formulation-based studies. Astaxanthin’s unique molecular structure exhibits superior antioxidant activity and membrane stabilising properties, allowing for the effective regulation of macrophage polarisation, angiogenesis and extracellular matrix remodelling. Recent advancement in topical delivery systems such as emulsification and encapsulation such as micro- or nano-, liposomes, hydrogels and electrospun nanofibrous membranes have further enhanced astaxanthin’s stability, bioavailability and wound healing efficacy in preclinical models. Despite compelling experimental evidence showing that astaxanthin promotes wound closure and protects cellular components, clinical translation remains limited, highlighting the need for well-designed human studies to optimise formulation strategies, standardize dosing and validate therapeutic outcomes. Overall, astaxanthin represents a multifunctional natural carotenoid with significant potential for the development of next-generation wound healing therapies.
Cite this article:
Nurul Hannah Ahmad Nidzar, Mazzura Wan Chik, Nor Khaizan Anuar, Muhammad ‘Izzuddin Zamery, Meor Mohd Redzuan Meor Mohd Affandi. Advanced Topical Delivery Systems for Astaxanthin: A Mechanistic Review of its Therapeutic Potential in Wound Healing. Research Journal Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(10):4978-6. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00693
Cite(Electronic):
Nurul Hannah Ahmad Nidzar, Mazzura Wan Chik, Nor Khaizan Anuar, Muhammad ‘Izzuddin Zamery, Meor Mohd Redzuan Meor Mohd Affandi. Advanced Topical Delivery Systems for Astaxanthin: A Mechanistic Review of its Therapeutic Potential in Wound Healing. Research Journal Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(10):4978-6. doi: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00693 Available on: https://www.rjptonline.org/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-19-10-69
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