Design of soft lipid nanocarriers based on bioactive vegetable oils with multiple health benefits

Abstract

The general objective is to design and synthesize soft and functional nanocarriers based on vegetable oils (Pumpkin and Amaranth oils) able to co-encapsulate and co-deliver two UV-A and UV-B filters (Avobenzone, Octocrylen) and to explore their efficiency in developing advanced bio-cosmetic prototypes. The exploitation of vegetable oils with safe utilization and biological efficiency in obtaining soft nanocarriers represent an innovative approach that provides a significant advance in the nanotechnology field. The obtained vegetable nanocarriers having mean diameters of 100 and 160 nm were tested in vitro for their antioxidant, photoprotective and drug release properties. The in vitro ability to capture free radicals was superior when the nanoparticles were prepared in Amaranth oil/solid lipids system. Study of UV absorbing effect revealed that co-loaded vegetable nanoparticles have greatly improved the photoprotective properties, the obtained SPF being of 40–45 and FP-UVA of 27–34. These values are associated with a high protective effect, e.g. more than 99% against UV-B and 92% against UV-A radiation. In vitro co-release experiments demonstrated that both Avobenzone and Octocrylen filters were released in a prolonged manner. The ultimate objective was to formulate the newly co-loaded nanoparticles into advanced cosmetic prototype and compare it with conventional cream. The soft vegetable-nanocarriers produced significantly higher UV-protection than the conventional cream. The use of appropriate renewable vegetable sources for obtaining soft bio-active nanostructures with broad health benefices has the potential to satisfy both the industrial and consumer needs, thanks to their safety and sustainability.