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. 2021 Apr 7;13(4):505.
doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13040505.

Novel Gel Microemulsion as Topical Drug Delivery System for Curcumin in Dermatocosmetics

Cristina Scomoroscenco  1   2 , Mircea Teodorescu  2 , Adina Raducan  3 , Miruna Stan  4 , Sorina Nicoleta Voicu  4 , Bodgan Trica  1 , Claudia Mihaela Ninciuleanu  1 , Cristina Lavinia Nistor  1 , Catalin Ionut Mihaescu  1 , Cristian Petcu  1 , Ludmila Otilia Cinteza  3
Affiliations

Novel Gel Microemulsion as Topical Drug Delivery System for Curcumin in Dermatocosmetics

Cristina Scomoroscenco et al. Pharmaceutics. .

Abstract

Gel microemulsion combines the advantages of the microemulsion, which can encapsulate, protect and deliver large quantities of active ingredients, and the gel, which is so appreciated in the cosmetic industry. This study aimed to develop and characterize new gel microemulsions suitable for topical cosmetic applications, using grape seed oil as the oily phase, which is often employed in pharmaceuticals, especially in cosmetics. The optimized microemulsion was formulated using Tween 80 and Plurol® Diisostearique CG as a surfactant mix and ethanol as a co-solvent. Three different water-soluble polymers were selected in order to increase the viscosity of the microemulsion: Carbopol® 980 NF, chitosan, and sodium hyaluronate salt. All used ingredients are safe, biocompatible and biodegradable. Curcumin was chosen as a model drug. The obtained systems were physico-chemically characterized by means of electrical conductivity, dynamic light scattering, polarized microscopy and rheometric measurements. Evaluation of the cytotoxicity was accomplished by MTT assay. In the final phase of the study, the release behavior of Curcumin from the optimized microemulsion and two gel microemulsions was evaluated. Additionally, mathematical models were applied to establish the kinetic release mechanism. The obtained gel microemulsions could be effective systems for incorporation and controlled release of the hydrophobic active ingredients.

Keywords: curcumin; dermatocosmetics; gel microemulsion; grape seed oil; microemulsion; transdermal delivery.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Size and size distribution of undiluted and freshly prepared microemulsion without Curcumin (red) and with Curcumin (green).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Visual appearance of gel microemulsions used as Curcumin delivery system.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Flow curves for LVM microemulsion and gel microemulsions obtained with: (a) mass concentration of approximately 0.2% thickening agent; (b) Carbopol® 980 NF (“TEA” for gel microemulsions neutralized with triethanolamine); (c) hyaluronic acid salt; (d) chitosan.
Figure 4
Figure 4
The incorporation efficiency of Curcumin with variation of the polymer content in gel microemulsion: H—for LVM with sodium hyaluronate; CP—for LVM with Carbopol; CT—for LVM with chitosan. For details on sample content, see Table 1.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Curcumin release profile of LVM microemulsion (red), 0.3 wt.% sodium hyaluronate in LVM (blue), and 0.34 wt.% Chitosan in LVM (green).
Figure 6
Figure 6
The mathematical models applied to the Curcumin release profile of LVM (a), CT4LVM (b), and H4LVM (c) (blue).
Figure 6
Figure 6
The mathematical models applied to the Curcumin release profile of LVM (a), CT4LVM (b), and H4LVM (c) (blue).
Figure 7
Figure 7
In vitro permeation of Curcumin from microemulsion and gel microemulsions through the Strat-M® membrane (a) and the total Curcumin retained in the membrane after 24 h (b).
Figure 8
Figure 8
Keratinocytes visualized under a phase-contrast inverted light microscope (magnification 40×) after being treated with the following samples: (A) LVM; (B) CP3LVM; (C) H4LVM; (D) CT4LVM; (E) Control.
Figure 9
Figure 9
Percentage of viable keratinocytes for LVM microemulsion and gel microemulsions.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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