Formulation of Creams Containing Spirulina Platensis Powder with Different Nonionic Surfactants for the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris

Abstract

Natural products used in the treatment of acne vulgaris may be promising alternative therapies with fewer side effects and without antibiotic resistance. The objective of this study was to formulate creams containing Spirulina (Arthrospira) platensis to be used in acne therapy. Spirulina platensis belongs to the group of micro algae and contains valuable active ingredients. The aim was to select the appropriate nonionic surfactants for the formulations in order to enhance the diffusion of the active substance and to certify the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Spirulina platensis-containing creams. Lyophilized Spirulina platensis powder (SPP) was dissolved in Transcutol HP (TC) and different types of nonionic surfactants (Polysorbate 60 (P60), Cremophor A6:A25 (CR) (1:1), Tefose 63 (TFS), or sucrose ester SP 70 (SP70)) were incorporated in creams as emulsifying agents. The drug release was evaluated by the Franz diffusion method and biocompatibility was tested on HaCaT cells. In vitro antioxidant assays were also performed, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays were executed. Antimicrobial activities of the selected compositions were checked against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Cutibacteriumacnes (C. acnes) (formerly Propionibacterium acnes) with the broth microdilution method. Formulations containing SP 70 surfactant with TC showed the most favorable dissolution profiles and were found to be nontoxic. This composition also showed significant increase in free radical scavenger activity compared to the blank sample and the highest SOD enzyme activity was also detected after treatment with the cream samples. In antibacterial studies, significant differences were observed between the treated and control groups after an incubation time of 6 h.

Preparation, characterization, and antibacterial activity of plaunotol and plaunoi extracts complexed with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin

“…The appearance of PL:HP-β-CD hydrogel looked better than PE:HP-β-CD hydrogel throughout the stability testing period. The pH of freshly prepared gel samples and those stored at 40 °C, 75% RH for 6 months ranged from 6.2 to 7.3 and are within acceptable limits (4.0–7.0) for topical application ( Lambers et al, 2006 , Józsa et al, 2020 ). Ostensibly, the pore sizes of PE:HP-β-CD hydrogels were smaller than PL:HP-β-CD hydrogels.…”

Antibacterial activity of ethanolic Spirulina platensis extract-water soluble chitosan nanoparticles

“…The three nanoparticle formulas produced were measured for particle size, polydispersity index, and count rate using a dynamic light scattering (Malvern Mastersizer range, Germany). 4. In vitro antibacterial activity assay.…”

“…is found in the pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, and Klebsiella pneumoniae [3]. Spirulina as a natural ingredient can be used as an antibacterial that can treat bacterial infections, one of which is acne [4]. Acne is the main skin problem that is often found, where a bacterial infection causes acne.…”

Nicotinic Amidoxime Derivate BGP-15, Topical Dosage Formulation and Anti-Inflammatory Effect

“…Resistance of the ointments was evaluated with the help of CT3 Texture Analyzer (Brookfield, Middleboro, MA, USA). During the experiment compression test was performed in normal mode with the following settings: target value (10 mm), target load (4 g), target speed (0.5 mm/s) [22].…”