Vitamin E-loaded bigels and emulsions: Physicochemical characterization and potential biological application

Area of Science:

• Cosmetic Science
• Materials Science
• Pharmaceutical Technology

Background:

• Bigels offer advantages in topical formulations for sensory and drug delivery.
• Limited data exists on the rheological and stability properties of combined organogelators, oily phases, and bioactive molecules.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the rheological, microstructural, stability, and biological properties of vitamin E bigels compared to emulsions.
• To evaluate the impact of different organogelators and oily phases on bigel characteristics.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of oil-in-water bigels and emulsions using candelilla wax or 12-hydroxystearic acid, sunflower or mineral oil, and vitamin E.
• Evaluation of rheological properties, microstructure, physical and oxidative stability, and biological behavior.

Main Results:

• Both bigels and emulsions exhibited interfacial crystallization and good thermal/centrifuge stability.
• 12-hydroxystearic acid bigels demonstrated higher thixotropy and consistency, forming viscoelastic weak gels.
• Vitamin E increased inner phase diameter with minimal impact on overall stability.

Conclusions:

• Organogel composition can regulate sensory attributes of bigels.
• Bigels present a promising formulation for topical applications with tunable properties.