Electrospun pullulan nanofibers containing pterostilbene-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin inclusion complex: Preparation...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Cosmetic Science

Background:

• Preservative-free dry masks are trending due to safety and environmental concerns.
• Pterostilbene (PTS), a natural antioxidant, has limited use due to poor solubility and stability.
• Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) can form inclusion complexes (IC) to improve solubility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop water-soluble inclusion complexes of Pterostilbene (PTS) and HP-β-CD.
• To fabricate preservative-free dry masks using these inclusion complexes and pullulan polysaccharide via electrostatic spinning.
• To evaluate the antioxidant capacity, water retention, release kinetics, and biosafety of the developed masks.

Main Methods:

• Self-assembly of PTS and HP-β-CD into inclusion complexes (IC).
• Fabrication of nanofiber masks (PUL-PTS-HP-β-CD-NF) using electrostatic spinning with pullulan.
• Characterization using SEM, FTIR, and XRD.
• Assessment of antioxidant activity, water retention, in vitro release, and red blood cell hemolysis.

Main Results:

• The PUL-PTS-HP-β-CD-NF masks were dense, uniform, and well-distributed.
• Masks exhibited significantly higher antioxidant activity compared to isolated PTS.
• Increased inclusion complex content enhanced water retention capacity.
• PTS release was concentration-dependent, time-dependent, and followed first-order kinetics.
• Biosafety was confirmed via red blood cell hemolysis.

Conclusions:

• A novel approach for preparing preservative-free, dry nanofiber masks incorporating Pterostilbene inclusion complexes was successfully developed.
• The developed masks demonstrate superior antioxidant and water retention properties, offering a sustainable and safe skincare solution.
• This study provides a sustainable method for creating environmentally friendly cosmetic ingredients.