Deformable liposomes by reverse-phase evaporation method for an enhanced skin delivery of (+)-catechin.
BACKGROUND
(+)-catechin, as the most common catechin isomer, is recognized to be an antioxidant which benefits the skin in many ways. The purpose of the present study was to prepare and evaluate a suitable liposomal delivery systems for (+)-catechin topical application.


METHODS
In this study, catechin-loaded conventional liposomal delivery system, deformable conventional liposomal delivery system and deformable liposomes prepared by reverse-phase evaporation (REV) method were compared. The three systems were characterized for liposome particle size, zeta-potential, entrapment efficiency, drug release, permeability across porcine skin and catechin deposition in the skin.


RESULTS
It was revealed that the size of deformable conventional liposomes before freeze-drying and deformable REV liposomes after freeze-drying range from 335.6 ± 71.7 nm to 551.1 ± 53.4 nm, respectively, which were considered to be suitable for skin delivery. The deformable REV liposomes had a higher aqueous volume and thus were able to entrap greater amounts of hydrophilic (+)-catechin (50.0 ± 5.9%) compared to conventional (30.0 ± 3.8%) and deformable conventional liposomes (36.1 ± 4.6%). All liposomal formulations exhibited a prolonged catechin release. Compared to deformable liposomes, the REV deformable liposomes showed a significantly better deposition of (+)-catechin while catechin solution did not permeate into the porcine ear skin.


CONCLUSIONS
Among all formulations studied, deformable REV liposomes were considered to be favorable for catechin topical delivery.
School of Pharmacy, the University of Auckland , Auckland , New Zealand .
Guanyu
G
Chen
Danhui
D
Li
Ye
Y
Jin
Weiyu
W
Zhang
Lirong
L
Teng
Craig
C
Bunt
Jingyuan
J
Wen
D000818:Animals; D002392:Catechin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D056148:Chromatography, Reverse-Phase / Q000379:methods; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D008081:Liposomes; D009924:Organ Culture Techniques; D012869:Skin Absorption / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D013552:Swine
D008081:Liposomes; D002392:Catechin