Photostabilization strategies of photosensitive drugs

• Published in: International journal of pharmaceutics Vol. 541; no. 1-2; pp. 19 - 25
• Main Authors: Coelho, L., Almeida, I.F., Sousa Lobo, J.M., Sousa e Silva, J.P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 25.04.2018
• Subjects: Antioxidant; Encapsulation; Photostability; Photostabilization; Radiation; Solar filter; Encapsulation; UV-R; VIS; NLC; Photostabilization; FL; HPML; Radiation; DS; SLN; Solar filter; O/W; W/O; Photostability; EHMC; AA; CD; UV; PBSA; Antioxidant; ICH; UV-C; UV-B; UV-A; PLGA; SSR; ROS; PCL
• ISSN: 0378-5173; 1873-3476
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2018.02.012

[Display omitted] Several active compounds are sensitive to light, especially to the ultraviolet radiation (UV-R) leading to their degradation or modification, with lost or decrease of their biological activity. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review regarding photostabilization strategies used on health products and perform a critical appraisal of their effectiveness. The bibliographic search identified 2261 results and merely 40 studies met the selection criteria. Of these, 85% referred to encapsulation strategies, 10% to antioxidants and 5% to the use of solar filters. Cyclodextrins (CD’s) were the most used encapsulation systems (32.5%) followed by liposomes and lipid nanoparticles (each 17.5%), microparticles (15%) and polymeric nanoparticles (10%). The most effective were found to be liposomes and lipid nanoparticles. However, the different methodological conditions used limit the true relevance of this finding. A gold standard strategy suitable for all compounds cannot be proposed. Instead, case-by-case evaluation, supported on the photodegradation mechanism is recommended. Systematic studies that compare different photostabilization strategies undertaken with the same irradiation conditions are also needed.