Ethosomal Nanocarriers for Hydrophilic Peptide Encapsulation: Formulation Optimization, Stability, and In Vitro...

Area of Science:

• Dermocosmetics and Nanotechnology
• Biomaterials Science
• Formulation Chemistry

Background:

• Hydrolyzed collagen peptides (HCP) are vital for skin hydration, elasticity, and extracellular matrix integrity in anti-aging products.
• The high hydrophilicity of HCP hinders their incorporation into lipid-based formulations and limits controlled release.
• Developing advanced delivery systems is crucial to overcome these limitations for enhanced dermocosmetic efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and optimize ethosomal nanocarriers for improved encapsulation, stability, and controlled release of hydrophilic collagen peptides (HCP).
• To evaluate the physicochemical properties and in vitro performance of HCP-loaded ethosomes for dermocosmetic applications.
• To investigate the potential of ethosomes as a platform for enhancing the topical bioavailability of collagen peptides.

Main Methods:

• Ethosomal nanocarriers loaded with HCP were prepared using phospholipid and ethanol, optimized via high-pressure homogenization.
• Characterization included vesicle size, zeta potential, pH, long-term stability (180 days), morphology (cryo-SEM), and peptide-lipid interactions (FTIR).
• Encapsulation efficiency, skin cell cytocompatibility (HaCaT cells), and in vitro release kinetics (Franz diffusion cells) were assessed.

Main Results:

• Optimized ethosomes exhibited nanoscale size, high colloidal stability, and negative zeta potentials (-42.9 to -76.7 mV).
• Sustained encapsulation efficiency (73% after 180 days) and preserved peptide structure were confirmed, indicating effective stabilization.
• In vitro release studies showed a controlled, prolonged release profile compared to free HCP, suggesting enhanced topical bioavailability and good skin cell compatibility.

Conclusions:

• Optimized ethosomal systems effectively stabilize hydrophilic collagen peptides for anti-aging dermocosmetic applications.
• HCP-loaded ethosomes offer a promising formulation platform for bioactive preservation, enhanced stability, and controlled topical performance.
• This approach facilitates advanced collagen-based skin rejuvenation strategies with improved efficacy and delivery.