Novel Gel Microemulsion as Topical Drug Delivery System for Curcumin in Dermatocosmetics

Abstract

Gel microemulsion combines the advantages of the microemulsion, which can encapsulate, protect and deliver large quantities of active ingredients, and the gel, which is so appreciated in the cosmetic industry. This study aimed to develop and characterize new gel microemulsions suitable for topical cosmetic applications, using grape seed oil as the oily phase, which is often employed in pharmaceuticals, especially in cosmetics. The optimized microemulsion was formulated using Tween 80 and Plurol® Diisostearique CG as a surfactant mix and ethanol as a co-solvent. Three different water-soluble polymers were selected in order to increase the viscosity of the microemulsion: Carbopol® 980 NF, chitosan, and sodium hyaluronate salt. All used ingredients are safe, biocompatible and biodegradable. Curcumin was chosen as a model drug. The obtained systems were physico-chemically characterized by means of electrical conductivity, dynamic light scattering, polarized microscopy and rheometric measurements. Evaluation of the cytotoxicity was accomplished by MTT assay. In the final phase of the study, the release behavior of Curcumin from the optimized microemulsion and two gel microemulsions was evaluated. Additionally, mathematical models were applied to establish the kinetic release mechanism. The obtained gel microemulsions could be effective systems for incorporation and controlled release of the hydrophobic active ingredients.

Microemulsified Gel Formulations for Topical Delivery of Clotrimazole: Structural and In Vitro Evaluation

“…In addition, an improved in vitro permeation study perceived by the μEG architectures can affect drug localization and mobility and also modify its tendency to partition into the stratum corneum. The high passage of CTZ from the skin is mainly due to the amount of CTZ encapsulated in a hydrophobic environment of μE (small oil globules) that easily pass through the lipid of the stratum corneum. ,− Finally, the structure of μEGs promotes the uptake in the stratum corneum, which indirectly enhances CTZ uptake significantly.…”

Tamoxifen Citrate Containing Topical Nanoemulgel Prepared by Ultrasonication Technique: Formulation Design and In Vitro Evaluation

“…Furthermore, the conversion of NE formulations into a nanoemulgel (NEG) preparation is a favourable approach that can enhance the pharmaceutical properties of the final product, such as its spreadability and stability. In addition, the contact of the product with the skin and the release period of the active ingredient become longer [ 18 ].…”

Formulation design, production and characterisation of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) for the encapsulation of a model hydrophobic active

“…Curcumin is a lipophilic polyphenolic compound, widely studied by the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food sectors due to its numerous attributes, including but not limited to anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer and antioxidant properties ( Sharifi-Rad et al., 2020 ). Similarly to other hydrophobic actives, curcumin requires the use of a suitable carrier, among which are lipid-based systems, to enhance its bioavailability and harness its health benefits ( Anand et al., 2007 ), and thus it has been previously employed as a model hydrophobic active during the development of delivery systems ( Khan et al., 2017 ; Scomoroscenco et al., 2021 ). The selection of lipid components (solid and liquid lipids) with high compatibility towards one another, that also show affinity for curcumin, was one of the primary focuses of the early development stages, towards the creation of a lipid core that can achieve high active entrapment and long-term physical integrity.…”