Preparation and Characterization of Undecylenoyl Phenylalanine Loaded-Nanostructure Lipid Carriers (NLCs) as a New α-MSH Antagonist and Antityrosinase Agent

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to characterize the undecylenoyl phenylalanine (Sepiwhite (SEPI))-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) as a new antimelanogenesis compound. Methods: In this study, an optimized SEPI-NLC formulation was prepared and characterized for particle size, zeta potential, stability, and encapsulation efficiency. Then, in vitro drug loading capacity and the release profile of SEPI, and its cytotoxicity were investigated. The ex vivo skin permeation and the anti-tyrosinase activity of SEPI-NLCs were also evaluated. Results: The optimized SEPI-NLC formulation showed the size of 180.1±5.01 nm, a spherical morphology under TEM, entrapment efficiency of 90.81±3.75%, and stability for 9 months at room temperature. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis exhibited an amorphous state of SEPI in NLCs. In addition, the release study demonstrated that SEPI-NLCs had a biphasic release outline with an initial burst release compared to SEPI-EMULSION. About 65% of SEPI was released from SEPI-NLC within 72 h, while in SEPI-EMULSION, this value was 23%. The ex vivo permeation profiles revealed that the higher SEPI accumulation in the skin following application of SEPI-NLC (up to 88.8%) compared to SEPI-EMULSION (65%) and SEPI-ETHANOL (74.8%) formulations (P<0.01). An inhibition rate of 72% and 65% was obtained for mushroom and cellular tyrosinase activity of SEPI, respectively. Moreover, results of in vitro cytotoxicity assay confirmed SEPI-NLCs to be non-toxic and safe for topical use. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that NLC can efficiently deliver SEPI into the skin, which has a promise for topical treatment of hyperpigmentation.

Preparation and characterization of novel nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) containing coenzyme Q10 as potent antioxidants and antityrosinase agents

“…Afterward, the desired pre-emulsion was sonicated using a sonicator probe (Bransonic, USA) in 7 cycles of 60 s with a rest time of 15 s between each cycle. Finally, the suspension was allowed to cool naturally at room temperature over 24 h, facilitating the formation of NLC/SLN without the need for external cooling or stirring [ 30 , 31 ].…”

Nanostructured Lipid Carrier for Hyperpigmentation Treatment - a Dermal Prospective

“…The results indicated that the entrapment efficiency increased up to 90.81±3.75%, and the NLC exhibited a tyrosinase inhibition rate of approximately 72%. Based on their findings, the researchers proposed that the formulated NLC could be efficiently utilized for sustained action on the epidermal layer of the skin, making it a promising option for skin brightening purposes [51] .…”