Optimization of Menthol-Loaded Nanocapsules for Skin Application Using the Response Surface Methodology
July 2019
in “
Journal of drug delivery science and technology
”
menthol nanocapsules lipid-core nanocapsules poly(ε-caprolactone) poloxamer 188 skin penetration physicochemical characteristics entrapment efficiency human skin cells hen's egg chorioallantoic membrane assay particle size polydispersity index advanced imaging techniques topical application cosmetotextiles PCL HET-CAM assay
TLDR Researchers created better skin-application menthol capsules that are stable, safe, and penetrate the skin quickly.
In 2019, researchers optimized menthol-loaded nanocapsules for skin application using response surface methodology. The study aimed to improve menthol's solubility and stability by encapsulating it in lipid-core nanocapsules. The optimal formulation contained 150 mg of menthol, 84 mg of poly(ε-caprolactone), and 125 mg of poloxamer 188, resulting in nanocapsules with good physicochemical characteristics, high entrapment efficiency (93.44% to 98.99%), and rapid skin penetration. The nanocapsules were non-irritating and non-toxic as shown by tests on human skin cells and a hen's egg chorioallantoic membrane assay. The particle size of the nanocapsules ranged from 122 to 354 nm, with a polydispersity index indicating homogeneity, and they remained stable for at least 90 days. Advanced imaging techniques confirmed the spherical shape and smooth surface of the nanocapsules, and they allowed for deeper penetration of menthol into the skin compared to non-encapsulated menthol. The study concluded that the optimized nanocapsules could be a promising alternative for topical application and cosmetotextiles.
