Nanostructuring lipid carriers using Ridolfia segetum (L.) Moris essential oil

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Nanotechnology
• Dermal Drug Delivery

Background:

• Essential oils possess therapeutic properties and unique physicochemical characteristics beneficial for developing innovative lipid nanosystems.
• Ridolfia segetum essential oil (REO) has demonstrated potential for topical applications due to its inherent bioactivity and ability to enhance permeation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) formulation for topical application using REO as both an active component and a nanostructuring agent.
• To characterize the physicochemical properties, in vitro release, permeation, skin retention, and cytotoxicity of the developed REO-NLC formulation.

Main Methods:

• Hydrodistillation of REO from Ridolfia segetum, followed by hot high-pressure homogenization to create NLCs.
• Physicochemical characterization including particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, encapsulation efficacy, loading capacity, morphology, structural, thermal, and stability analysis.
• In vitro release, permeation, and skin retention studies, along with cytotoxicity assays on fibroblasts and keratinocytes.

Main Results:

• The developed REO-NLCs exhibited optimal particle size (143 ± 5 nm), PDI (0.21), and zeta potential (-16.3 ± 0.6 mV) with high encapsulation efficacy (ca. 100%) and loading capacity (1.4%).
• Physicochemical characterization confirmed the nanostructured nature and stability of the REO-NLCs, which were successfully formulated into a semisolid topical dosage form.
• In vitro studies demonstrated sustained drug release, enhanced skin permeation, and significant skin retention, with formulations showing good biocompatibility in cytotoxicity tests.

Conclusions:

• REO can act as a dual-function component, serving as both an active pharmaceutical ingredient and a nanostructuring agent in NLCs for topical delivery.
• The developed REO-NLC formulation offers a promising approach for prolonged topical delivery with a favorable safety profile for cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.