Development and characterization of repellent formulations based on nanostructured hydrogels
Isadora C Pinto1, Cristal S Cerqueira-Coutinho2, Elisabete Pereira Santos1
1a College of Pharmacy , Federal University of Rio de Janeiro , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil.
Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy
|August 4, 2016
Summary
New insect repellents using ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate (EB) and Poloxamer 407 nanoemulsions show promise for safe and effective mosquito protection. These formulations are non-toxic and demonstrate potential for widespread use in personal care products.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Materials Science
Background:
- Insect-borne diseases pose significant public health risks, necessitating effective and safe insect repellents.
- Ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate (EB) is a synthetic repellent with low allergenic potential, suitable for diverse age groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize nanoemulsions containing ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate (EB) and Poloxamer 407.
- To evaluate key properties including droplet size, pH, rheology, cytotoxicity, and in vitro skin permeation.
Main Methods:
- Formulations F1 (12.5% EB) and F2 (25% EB) were developed and compared to a commercial EB formulation.
- Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) assessed droplet size; rheological measurements and cytotoxicity assays were performed.
- In vitro permeation studies evaluated skin retention and penetration.
Main Results:
- Nanoemulsions F1 and F2 exhibited droplet sizes around 200 nm, contrasting with the commercial formulation's 10 nm.
- Both F1 and F2 displayed gel-like properties, with F2 showing lower viscosity and reduced epidermal retention.
- Cytotoxicity assays confirmed that F2, the higher EB concentration formulation, was non-toxic to cells.
Conclusions:
- EB and Poloxamer 407 nanoemulsions are viable candidates for novel insect repellent formulations.
- The developed nanoemulsions offer a potentially safer alternative to existing repellents, with tunable properties for enhanced efficacy.
