The Incorporation of Clove Essential Oil into Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Improvement of the Delivery and Antioxidant Effects on the Fibroblast Cells.

Abstract

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) essential oil (CO) has been studied extensively for its antioxidant properties but faces several limitations, including high volatility, low aqueous solubility, and irritation. We aimed to develop a Nanostructured Lipid Carrier (NLC) to enhance the benefits of CO. Using the emulsification sonication method, a liquid lipid component, surfactant concentration, and a co-surfactant were optimized to create CO-loaded NLC (CO-NLC). The developed CO-NLC was rigorously assessed for its stability during storage. Free radical scavenging activity and fibroblast oxidative stress protection were also measured to assess the antioxidant activity. The CO-NLC displayed a spherical shape with a hydrodynamic diameter of 125.77 ± 29.68 nm, homogenous particle distribution with polydispersity index of 0.26 ± 0.09, and a surface charge of -27.30 ± 4.56 mV with an encapsulation efficiency of 97% and a good stability profile. Furthermore, free CO and CO-NLC displayed very strong free radical scavenging activity with the IC50 value of 22.74 ± 0.57 µg/mL and 18.28 ± 2.63 µg/mL, respectively. However, only CO-NLC managed to protect fibroblast cells from the harmful effects of oxidative stress. The NLC formulations improved free radical scavenging activity and effectively protected fibroblasts from oxidative stress compared to free CO.