Folic Acid-Intercalated Mg/Al Layered Double Hydroxides-A Multifunctional Nanohybrid Delivery System for Topical...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Dermatology

Background:

• The skin's barrier function limits topical delivery of active molecules.
• Nanotechnology offers solutions for enhanced transdermal delivery.
• Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) are promising nanomaterials for drug delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a folic acid (FA)-intercalated LDH nanohybrid for topical applications.
• To evaluate the physicochemical and biological properties of the FA-LDH nanohybrid in an oil-in-water emulsion.
• To assess the controlled release and transdermal permeation of FA from the nanohybrid formulation.

Main Methods:

• Coprecipitation method for synthesizing Mg/Al LDH intercalated with FA.
• Characterization using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).
• Formulation of an oil-in-water emulsion incorporating the FA-LDH nanohybrid.
• In vitro release studies, rheological analysis, cytotoxicity assays (HaCaT cells), and transdermal permeation experiments (Franz diffusion cells).

Main Results:

• XRD and FTIR confirmed successful FA intercalation into the LDH interlayers.
• The FA-LDH nanohybrid exhibited antioxidant activity comparable to free FA.
• Formulations with nanohybrid showed improved rheological properties (flow behavior, yield stress, storage modulus).
• No cytotoxicity was observed in HaCaT cells.
• In vitro studies demonstrated pH-dependent controlled release and effective transdermal permeation of FA.

Conclusions:

• The FA-LDH nanohybrid is a stable and effective carrier for topical FA delivery.
• The nanohybrid enhances the stability and quality of skincare formulations.
• This nanohybrid shows significant potential as a multifunctional active ingredient for topical applications.