Objective: Apart from having various physiological functions in the body, ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) also have a key role in skin protection. However, their bioavailability is quite limited in the skin, and therefore, many cosmetic products are supplemented with these vitamins, which are usually associated with stability issues. To avoid these issues, here we report on the preparation of microsponges of these vitamins for topical application.
Methods:The microsponges were prepared through various emulsification-solvent evaporation methods involving singleThe organic internal phase was consisted of Eudragit ® RS 100 polymer dissolved in an organic solvent such as acetone or dichloromethane, at a constant polymer to drug ratio of 2:1. The prepared microsponges were characterized for their entrapment efficiency, droplet size and uniformity, core to wall interaction, and surface morphology.Results: It was found that the W/O/W and S/O/W are suitable methods for the preparation of vitamin C microsponges and O/W is a suitable method for the preparation of vitamin D3 microsponges; ensuring an encapsulation efficiency of around 56-59% and 93%, respectively. The average diameter of vitamin C and D3 microsponges was typically around 56-68 μm and 48 μm, respectively.
Conclusion:It is possible to encapsulate both water and oil soluble vitamins in a microsponge system at an appreciable entrapment efficiency. The findings of the present study are expected to play a vital role in the development of cosmeceuticals.