Propolis-Loaded Niosomes for Dermopharmaceutic and Cosmetic Applications: Development, Stability, Safety, and In...

Area of Science:

• * Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology
• * Materials Science
• * Cosmetic Science

Background:

• * Propolis, a bee-derived substance, contains phenolic compounds with diverse therapeutic properties (analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial).
• * Niosomes are advanced vesicular nanosystems for topical drug delivery, offering controlled release, enhanced stability, and good biocompatibility.
• * There is a growing interest in utilizing propolis for therapeutic and cosmetic applications, necessitating effective delivery systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To formulate and characterize novel propolis-loaded niosomes for topical application.
• * To achieve small, homogeneous particle size, high encapsulation efficiency, and controlled release kinetics.
• * To evaluate the safety and bioactivity (anti-inflammatory potential) of the developed niosomal formulations.

Main Methods:

• * Formulation of niosomes using Tween 20, Kolliphor RH 40, cetyl alcohol, and/or cholesterol via thin-film hydration and extrusion.
• * Characterization of particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and zeta potential (ζ-potential).
• * Assessment of encapsulation efficiency, in vitro release profile, in vitro safety (keratinocytes, fibroblasts), HET-CAM irritation test, and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity.

Main Results:

• * Niosomes exhibited small particle size (100-200 nm), homogeneous distribution (PDI < 0.2), and favorable ζ-potential (~ -38 mV).
• * High encapsulation efficiency (78.8–87.4%) and controlled release profiles were achieved, ensuring prolonged bioactivity.
• * Formulations demonstrated adequate in vitro safety and significant anti-inflammatory potential (IC50: 14.90–17.89 ng/mL), with some showing low irritative potential.

Conclusions:

• * Novel propolis-loaded niosomes were successfully developed, meeting quality by design (QbD) criteria for topical applications.
• * The nanoplatforms offer enhanced stability, controlled release, and demonstrated safety and anti-inflammatory efficacy.
• * These versatile niosomal formulations hold potential for both pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.