Nanoemulsion Stabilized by Safe Surfactin from Bacillus subtilis as a Multifunctional, Custom-Designed Smart Delivery System

Abstract

The developing field of bio-nanotechnology aims to advance colloidal research via the introduction of multifunctional nanoparticles to augment the dermal effectiveness of active substances. Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS)—isotropic mixtures of oils, surfactants, solvents and co-solvents or surfactants—are attracting interest in the cosmeceutical field. As part of this study, SEDDS systems containing vitamin C or vitamin E and curcumin were developed, whereby the bioavailability of the active compounds increased by enhancing their permeability to deeper layers of the skin. A composition consisting of 50% surfactin from Bacillus subtilis, 30% Transcutol and 20% oil phase was designed to encapsulate the active substances, i.e., vitamin C or vitamin E and curcumin, contained in the oil phase. The developed carriers were characterized by average particle sizes of 69–183 nm. The formulations with the vitamins were found to be physically and chemically stable for 6 months. Transdermal tests were carried out, showing that the carriers enable the transport of active substances deep into the skin, stopping at the dermis border. The formulations with vitamin C and vitamin E reduced the discoloration, the vascular lesions, and the depth of the wrinkles on the tested skin, which can be useful in cosmetics in the treatment of problem skin, including capillary and sensitive skin.

Targeted Hybrid Nanocarriers as a System Enhancing the Skin Structure

“…In addition to the interest in nanoemulsions due to their unique consistency, other benefits of nanoemulsions have been appreciated in many cosmetic applications, especially skincare for solubilizing and delivering active ingredients [ 39 ]. Enclosing the active substances in the nanoemulsion enables their transport through the stratum corneum to the deeper layers of the skin [ 7 ]. So far, various nanoemulsions have been tested for their cosmetic use.…”

“…So far, various nanoemulsions have been tested for their cosmetic use. Their use is to moisturize the skin [ 40 , 41 ], lighten discoloration [ 42 ], or reduce vascular lesions [ 7 ]. The formulation presented in this study has the potential to improve the condition of the skin and slow down the aging processes.…”

“…Nanoemulsion concentrate was prepared as follows: 50% of sodium surfactin powder, 30% of 2-(2 ethoxyethoxy) ethanol (trade name Transcutol HP; Gattefossé SAS, Saint-Priest, France) and 20% of ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate (trade name Nikkol VC-IP, Nicco Chemicals Co. Ltd., Tokio, Japan) were subjected to ultrasound for 20 min, at 50 °C, as previously described [ 7 ]. Concentrates were organoleptically inspected for the absence of any thickenings.…”

“…Surfactin was obtained from microbial fermentation with B. subtilis natto KB1, as described before [ 7 , 43 ]. All medium components were purchased from BioShop LabEmpire (Rzeszow, Poland).…”

“…Colloidal systems from various raw materials create polymer nanoparticles, micelles, solid lipid nanostructures, liposomes, nano-, and microemulsion, etc. [ 6 , 7 ]. By using distinct formulations and preparation methods, nanosystems can be incorporated into diverse types and formats of cosmetics.…”