Novel alginate-based nanocarriers as a strategy to include high concentrations of hydrophobic compounds in hydrogels for topical application

Abstract

The cutaneous penetration of hydrophobic active molecules is of foremost concern in the dermatology and cosmetic formulation fields. The poor solubility in water of those molecules limits their use in hydrophilic forms such as gels, which are favored by patients with chronic skin disease. The aim of this work is to design a novel nanocarrier of hydrophobic active molecules and to determine its potential as an ingredient of a topical form. The nanocarrier consists of an oily core surrounded by a protective shell of alginate, a natural polysaccharide isolated from brown algae. These calcium alginate-based nanocarriers (CaANCs) were prepared at room temperature and without the use of organic solvent by an accelerated nanoemulsification-polymer crosslinking method. The size (hydrodynamic diameter ~200 nm) and surface charge (zeta potential ~ - 30 mV) of the CaANCs are both compatible with their application on skin. CaANCs loaded with a fluorescent label were stable in model hydrophilic galenic forms under different storage conditions. Curcumin was encapsulated in CaANCs with an efficiency of ~95%, fully retaining its antioxidant activity. The application of the curcumin-loaded CaANCs on excised human skin led to a significant accumulation of the active molecules in the upper layers of the skin, asserting the potential of these nanocarriers in active pharmaceutical and cosmetic ingredients topical delivery.

Topical Delivery of Ebselen Encapsulated in Biopolymeric Nanocapsules: Drug Repurposing Enhanced Antifungal Activity

“…In the case of free Nile Red, this phenomenon was very poor. Therefore our findings corroborate the hypothesis [24] that this particular type of carrier is not able to lead to a transdermal delivery of the drug. These results encouraged us to perform DSC analysis of SC after permeation study of Eb-NCS 3 for 12 h to detect possible effects on structure of this part of skin, based on thermal properties.…”

“…Our goal in this study was to find enhanced Eb repurposing as an antifungal agent through encapsulation in an appropriate nanosized system dedicated for topical delivery. Therefore, we encapsulated Eb-NCS using ultrasound oil-in-water emulsification, followed by gelation with calcium ions according to the method reported by Nguyen et al [24]. This robust method allowed successful entrapment of this active compound in the nanosized system at room temperature and without the use of organic solvent.…”

“…Therefore, we were interested whether our developed system will be able to maintain the antioxidant property of Eb as it is described for curcumin in alginate nanocarriers [24]. First, we prepared model o/w emulsion containing flaxseed oil, which was incubated with Eb or Eb loaded nanocarriers.…”

Homogeneous distribution of fatty ester‐based active cosmetic ingredients in hydrophilic thin films by means of nanodispersion

“…It has already been demonstrated that nanoencapsulation of lipophilic molecules can increase their concentration in a gel while keeping its pH, rheological or sensory properties unchanged [12,13]. Moreover, nanosystems have also been used to disperse homogeneously an active molecule in films for transdermal or dermal delivery [6,10,[14][15][16][17].…”

Synthesis and characterization of thermally responsive N-isopropylacrylamide hydrogels copolymerized with novel hydrophobic polyphenolic crosslinkers

“…In this study, our focus is on novel crosslinkers based on hydrophobic polyphenolic compounds for the modulation of the LCST of NIPAAm within a crosslinked matrix. Curcumin is a naturally derived hydrophobic polyphenol and is known for its numerous biological activities (e.g., demonstrated anti-cancer, anti-oxidation and anti-inflammatory properties) [29, 30]. Clinical trials suggested that curcumin was well tolerated by the human body, even at relatively high dosages (12 g/day) [31–33].…”