Preparation and characterization of a nanostructured lipid carrier for phenylethyl resorcinol

Abstract

Phenylethyl resorcinol (PR) demonstrates inhibitory effects on multiple targets in the melanin synthesis pathway, resulting in a strong whitening effect. However, challenges such as limited solubility in water and susceptibility to oxidation and discoloration restrict its practical application in the cosmetics industry. In order to enhance stability and performance characteristics, a whitening nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) was synthesized through high-pressure homogenization. This method entailed the incorporation of solid lipids, a liquid lipid, and a compound emulsifier, with deionized water fulfilling the roles of solid phase, liquid phase, and water phase, respectively. The NLC's particle size, Zeta potential, stability, encapsulation efficiency, and other parameters were assessed using techniques such as particle sizer, stability analyzer, and HPLC. The results showed that the NLC for phenylethyl resorcinol prepared by using the optimal formula (7.50 % solid lipids, 3.00 % ethylhexyl palmitate, and 2.00 % Tween 80 and soybean lecithin) has an encapsulation efficiency of 87.11 %, a particle size of 157.2 ± 0.70 nm, a kinetic instability of less than 1.2, and a greatly improved stability, thereby successfully solving the problems of unstable storage and poor solubility of phenylethyl resorcinol.