Desonide nanoencapsulation with açai oil as oil core: Physicochemical characterization, photostability study and in vitro phototoxicity evaluation

• Published in: Journal of photochemistry and photobiology. B, Biology Vol. 199; p. 111606
• Main Authors: Rosa, Priscila, Friedrich, Mariane Lago, dos Santos, Juliana, Librelotto, Daniele Rubert Nogueira, Maurer, Luana Haselein, Emanuelli, Tatiana, da Silva, Cristiane de Bona, Adams, Andréa Inês Horn
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland Elsevier B.V 01.10.2019; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents - chemistry; Anti-Inflammatory Agents - pharmacology; açai oil; Cell Line; Cell Survival - drug effects; Desonide - chemistry; Desonide - pharmacology; Drug Compounding - methods; Drug Liberation; Drug Stability; Euterpe - chemistry; Evaluation; Fibroblasts; Free form; Humans; Irritant potential; Keratinocytes; Light; Mice; Nanocapsules - chemistry; Nanoparticles; Oil; Particle Size; Photodegradation; Photolysis; Photostability; Phototoxic activity; Phototoxicity; Plant Oils - chemistry; Plant Oils - pharmacology; Polydispersity; Polymethacrylic Acids - chemistry; Suspensions - chemistry; Therapeutic applications; Triglycerides; Triglycerides - chemistry; Viability; Zeta potential; Nanoparticles; Phototoxic activity; Photostability; açai oil; Irritant potential
• ISSN: 1011-1344; 1873-2682
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2019.111606

This study aimed to develop Eudragit® RL 100 nanocapsules loaded with desonide (DES) using açai oil (AO) or medium chain triglycerides (MCT) as oil core. Pre-formulation study showed that AO and MCT are suitable for nanocapsules preparation. The nanocapsules prepared with AO and MCT presented mean particle size around 165 and 131 nm, respectively; polydispersity index values <0.20, positive zeta potential values, drug content close to the theoretical value (0.25 mg mL−1), and DES encapsulation efficiency around 81%, regardless of the oil core (AO or MCT). Considering the photoinstability reported to DES, photodegradation studies were performed. The UV-A (365 nm) and UV-C (254 nm) photodegradation studies revealed less DES degradation when associated to the nanocapsules containing AO in comparison to those with MCT. The in vitro release study showed a biphasic release profile for both nanocapsule suspensions: an initial burst effect followed by a prolonged DES release. In addition, the formulations were considered non-phototoxic at 0.5 mg mL−1 when tested on 3 T3 murine fibroblasts and HaCaT human keratinocytes using the MTT and NRU viability assays. The irritant potential of the prepared nanocapsules and DES in free form were evaluated by HET-CAM method. All formulations were classified as slightly irritant, including the non-associate DES. In conclusion, the nanocapsule formulations developed in this study may be promising for therapeutic applications. •Desonide-loaded nanocapsules containing açai oil were successfully developed•Nanoencapsulation improved desonide photostability under UV-A and UV-C radiation.•The developed formulations showed no phototoxic effect.•Similar irritant potential was achieved for free desonide and desonide-nanocapsules.•The developed nanocapsules are promising for inclusion in topical formulations.