Stearyl ferulate-based solid lipid nanoparticles for the encapsulation and stabilization of beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol.
UVA exposure induces DNA damage that could result in skin carcinogenesis. Antioxidants are usually employed as protective agents to avoid this problem: in particular, both beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol can protect the skin against UVA-induced damage. It is well known that the photochemical instability of these compounds has been a limiting factor for their applications to protect skin. In this study, stearyl ferulate-based solid lipid nanoparticles (SF-SLNs), as vehicles for beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol, were formulated to improve the stability of these compounds. The SF-SLNs were characterized for entrapment efficiency, size and shape together with their cytotoxicity and capability to inhibit lipid peroxidation. After treatment with a pro-oxidant and/or exposition to sunlight the antioxidants entrapped in SF-SLNs were extremely stable. The results highlighted how SF-SLNs represent a suitable vehicle for beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol stabilizing and protecting them from degradation. A dermatological formulation in order to prevent skin damages is, therefore, suggested.
Trombino
Sonia
S
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Cosenza, Italy. sonia.trombino@unical.it
Cassano
Roberta
R
Muzzalupo
Rita
R
Pingitore
Attilio
A
Cione
Erika
E
Picci
Nevio
N
D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D003373:Coumaric Acids / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry*; D051381:Rats; D013228:Stearates / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D019207:beta Carotene / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology
D003373:Coumaric Acids; D004337:Drug Carriers; D013228:Stearates; D019207:beta Carotene; C004999:ferulic acid; D024502:alpha-Tocopherol