In vitro SPF and photostability assays of emulsion containing nanoparticles with vegetable extracts rich in flavonoids

• Published in: AAPS PharmSci 2019-01, Vol.20 (9), p.9-9, Article 9
• Main Authors: Cefali, Letícia Caramori, Ataide, Janaína Artem, Eberlin, Samara, Gonçalves, Fernanda Cristina da Silva, Fernandes, Ana Rita, Marto, Joana, Ribeiro, Helena Margarida, Foglio, Mary Ann, Mazzola, Priscila Gava, Souto, Eliana B.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biochemistry; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Biotechnology; flavonoids; nanoparticles; permeation; Pharmacology/Toxicology; Pharmacy; photostability; Research Article; rutin; Science & Technology; sunscreen
• ISSN: 1530-9932; 1522-1059; 1530-9932
• DOI: 10.1208/s12249-018-1217-7

The aim of study was to determine the in vitro sun protection factor (SPF) and the photostability profile of a topical formulation composed of nanoparticles loaded with vegetable extracts and to assess its physicochemical properties. Chitosan/tripolyphosphate (TPP) nanoparticles loaded with flavonoids-enriched vegetable extracts (Ginkgo biloba L., Dimorphandra mollis Benth, Ruta graveolens, and Vitis vinifera L.) were produced and characterized for their morphology, mean particle size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency. A final topical formulation was obtained by dispersing chitosan/TPP nanoparticles in an o/w emulsion. Results showed that nanoparticles dispersion exhibited yellowish color, spherical shape, and uniform appearance. Extract-loaded chitosan/TPP nanoparticles showed a mean particle size of 557.11±3.1 nm, polydispersity index of 0.39±0.27, zeta potential of +11.54±2.1 mV, and encapsulation efficiency of 75.89% of rutin. The recorded texture parameters confirm that the developed formulation is appropriate for skin application. The SPF obtained was 2.3±0.4, with a critical wavelength of 387.0 nm and 0.69 UVA/UVB ratio. The developed formulation exhibited photostability, allowing the release of flavonoids from nanoparticles while retaining rutin into the skin in a higher extension. The authors acknowledge FAPESP (grant number 2015/25533-7 and 2017/14757-7), CAPES, and CNPq agencies for the financial support of this study. The authors also acknowledge the financial support received from the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation (FCT/MCT) and from the European Funds (PRODER/COMPETE) under the project reference M-ERA-NET/0004/2015-PAIRED, co-financed by FEDER, under the Partnership Agreement PT2020.