Title:Development of NLC- based Sunscreen Gel of Lutein and its in-vitro and
ex-vivo Characterisation
Volume: 13
Issue: 1
Author(s): Bhawna Sharma*, Iti Chauhan and Alok Pratap Singh
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmaceutics, I.T.S College of Pharmacy, Muradnagar, Ghaziabad, UP, India
Keywords:
Lutein, nano-structured lipid carrier, sunscreen gel, sun protection factor, in-vitro SPF determination, ex-vivo skin permeation.
Abstract:
Background: In humans, Carotenoids are important in scavenging singlet oxygen and
peroxyl radicals. Lutein has been demonstrated in multiple studies to help protect the skin from
photodamage, as well as provide a variety of other health advantages. In the recent decade, the topical
use of Lutein as a new ultraviolet (UV) protectant, anti-stress, and blue light filter capable of
protecting skin from photodamage has piqued cosmetic and pharmacological attention. Because
Lutein is insoluble, it was integrated into nanocarriers for topical administration.
Objective: The objective of this study was to formulate an NLC-based sunscreen gel of Lutein.
Methods: Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) were prepared by melt emulsion ultrafiltration technique
and were evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI), drug loading
(DL), encapsulation efficacy (EE), and in vitro drug release. The optimised formula was incorporated
into a gel base and an in-vitro sun protection factor (SPF) was determined. Ex- vivo permeation
study was performed on rat skin using a Franz diffusion cell. Cocoa butter and rose oil were
chosen as solid and liquid lipids for NLC formulation.
Results: The particle size, PDI, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and in vitro drug release of
optimised formulation (NLC5) were found to be 81.64 nm, 0.463, -14.1mV, 79.90 %, and 89.86%
respectively. The SPF value of the Lutein-NLC-loaded gel was found to be 27.524. The drug flux
Jss from NLC gel was measured in the range of 0.07955 g/cm2/h.
Conclusion: The investigation suggested lipid nanoparticles as a suitable carrier for Lutein to be
delivered as sunscreen gel.