Abstract
In the present study, a chitosan (CS) derivative with the 2-(Methacryloyloxy)ethyl]dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl)ammonium hydroxide (SDAEM) zwitterionic monomer was prepared through chemical modification. The successful synthesis of CS-SDAEM was confirmed by Fourier-transform Infrared (FTIR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopies. Its crystallinity was studied by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), while in vitro cytotoxicity and cell viability assays established its biocompatibility. Filtered fresh pomegranate juice (PJ) was loaded in nanoparticles of neat CS and its derivative via ionic gelation method. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) revealed nanoparticles sizes varying between 426 nm and 4.5 μm, indicating a size-dependence on the polymer concentration used during encapsulation. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry detection (LC-PDA-ESI/MS) revealed that PJ active compounds were successfully and in sufficient amounts encapsulated in the nanoparticles interior, whereas XRD indicated a crystalline structure alteration after nanoencapsulation. The resulted PJ-loaded nanoparticles were further utilized for the preparation of innovative O/W cosmetic emulsions. All produced emulsions exhibited good pH and viscosity stability for up to 90 days, while the sun protection factor (SPF) was enhanced due to the presence of the PJ. Enhanced antioxidant and antimicrobial properties due to the phenolic compounds of PJ were also observed.
Highlights
Skin is the largest organ of the human body and is continuously exposed to oxidative stress caused by the ultraviolet (UV) radiation or due to endogenous factors, namely enzymes [1]
One of the primary purposes of the present study was the modification of the macromolecular chains of chitosan with a zwitterionic monomer in order to increase the amphiphilic character of the polysaccharide and its antimicrobial properties
This is a critical step in order to prepare cosmetic products with enhanced antimicrobial activity, along with antioxidant and UV protective properties, an objective that is being approached here
Summary
Skin is the largest organ of the human body and is continuously exposed to oxidative stress caused by the ultraviolet (UV) radiation or due to endogenous factors, namely enzymes [1]. Emulsion products are used worldwide in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry for numerous applications besides skin moisturization, including cosmetic products and the dermal or transdermal drug delivery of various active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). An important factor for cosmetic emulsions is their antioxidant stability. It is of high significance since the intake of antioxidants could support the maintenance of good skin health and the prevention of oxidative stress. Various compounds have been applied as antioxidants for skin treatment products, mainly antioxidant drugs e.g., kojic acid [5], many vitamins i.e., Vitamin E (tocopherol) [6], Vitamin B3 [7], as well as several natural antioxidants namely lycopene which is a carotenoid [8], polyphenols derived from green tea [9], antioxidants extracted from the fruit of the coffee plant Coffea arabica [10] and proanthocyanidins extracted from Grape seed [11]
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