Development and characterization of a babassu nut oil-based moisturizing cosmetic emulsion with a high sun protection factor

Exploring Cationic Guar Gum: Innovative Hydrogels and Films for Enhanced Wound Healing

Background/Objectives: This study developed and characterized hydrogels (HG-CGG) and films (F-CGG) based on cationic guar gum (CGG) for application in wound healing. Methods: HG-CGG (2% w/v) was prepared by gum thickening and evaluated for pH, stability, spreadability, and viscosity. F-CGG was obtained using an aqueous dispersion of CGG (6% w/v) and the solvent casting method. F-CGG was characterized for thickness, weight uniformity, morphology, mechanical properties, hydrophilicity, and swelling potential. Both formulations were evaluated for bioadhesive potential on intact and injured porcine skin, as well as antioxidant activity. F-CGG was further studied for biocompatibility using hemolysis and cell viability assays (L929 fibroblasts), and its wound-healing potential by the scratch assay. Results: HG-CGG showed adequate viscosity and spreadability profiles for wound coverage, but its bioadhesive strength was reduced on injured skin. In contrast, F-CGG maintained consistent bioadhesive strength regardless of skin condition (6554.14 ± 540.57 dyne/cm2 on injured skin), presenting appropriate mechanical properties (flexible, transparent, thin, and resistant) and a high swelling capacity (2032 ± 211% after 6 h). F-CGG demonstrated superior antioxidant potential compared to HG-CGG (20.50 mg/mL ABTS+ radical scavenging activity), in addition to exhibiting low hemolytic potential and no cytotoxicity to fibroblasts. F-CGG promoted the proliferation of L929 cells in vitro, supporting wound healing. Conclusions: Therefore, CGG proved to be a promising material for developing formulations with properties suitable for cutaneous use. F-CGG combines bioadhesion, antioxidant activity, biocompatibility, cell proliferation, and potential wound healing, making it promising for advanced wound treatment.

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Based on Babassu Oil and Copaiba Oleoresin: A Promising Approach for Prostate Cancer Therapy

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) represent promising nanostructures for drug delivery systems. This study successfully synthesized SLNs containing different proportions of babassu oil (BBS) and copaiba oleoresin (COPA) via the emulsification-ultrasonication method. Before SLN synthesis, the identification and quantification of methyl esters, such as lauric acid and β-caryophyllene, were performed via GC-MS analysis. These methyl esters were used as chemical markers and assisted in encapsulation efficiency experiments. A 22 factorial design with a center point was employed to assess the impact of stearic acid and Tween 80 on particle hydrodynamic diameter (HD) and polydispersity index (PDI). Additionally, the effects of temperature (8 ± 0.5 °C and 25 ± 1.0 °C) and time (0, 7, 15, 30, 40, and 60 days) on HD and PDI values were investigated. Zeta potential (ZP) measurements were utilized to evaluate nanoparticle stability, while transmission electron microscopy provided insights into the morphology and nanometric dimensions of the SLNs. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of the SLNs (10 µg/mL, 30 µg/mL, 40 µg/mL, and 80 µg/mL) was evaluated using the MTT assay with PC-3 and DU-145 prostate cancer cell lines. Results demonstrated that SLNs containing BBS and COPA in a 1:1 ratio exhibited a promising cytotoxic effect against prostate cancer cells, with a percentage of viable cells of 68.5% for PC-3 at a concentration of 30 µg/mL and 48% for DU-145 at a concentration of 80 µg/mL. These findings underscore the potential therapeutic applications of SLNs loaded with BBS and COPA for prostate cancer treatment.

Temperature and pH Stimuli-Responsive System Delivers Location-Specific Antimicrobial Activity with Natural Products

Smart materials with controlled stimuli-responsive functions are at the forefront of technological development. In this work, we present a generic strategy that combines simple components, physicochemical responses, and easy fabrication methods to achieve a dual stimuli-responsive system capable of location-specific antimicrobial cargo delivery. The encapsulated system is fabricated by combining a biocompatible inert polymeric matrix of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and a bioactive cargo of saturated fatty acids. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach to deliver antimicrobial activity for the model bacteria Escherichia coli. The system responds to two control variables, temperature and pH, delivering two levels of antimicrobial response under distinct combinations of stimuli: one response toward the planktonic media and another response directly at the surface for sessile bacteria. Spatially resolved Raman spectroscopy alongside thermal and structural material analysis reveals that the system not only exhibits ON/OFF states but can also control relocation and targeting of the active cargo toward either the surface or the liquid media, leading to different ON/OFF states for the planktonic and sessile bacteria. The approach proposed herein is technologically simple and scalable, facing low regulatory barriers within the food and healthcare sectors by using approved components and relying on fundamental chemical processes. Our results also provide a proof-of-concept platform for the design and easy fabrication of delivery systems capable of operating as Boolean logic gates, delivering different responses under different environmental conditions.

Encapsulation of Leptadenia pyrotechnica (Khip) Extract in Carbomer Based Emulgel for Its Enhanced Antioxidant Effects and Its In Vitro Evaluation

BACKGROUND

The use of natural products in skin care has been valued for their tremendous therapeutic benefits since ancient times. The current study was aimed at exploring the Leptadenia pyrotechnica plant extract and development of a stable emulgel loaded with the same extract to assess its cosmeceutical potentials.

METHODOLOGY

A stable emulgel loaded with methanolic plant extract along with its control gel was prepared by homogenization. The antioxidant potential of extracts prepared in different solvents (methanol MLP, ethanol ELP, n-hexane nLP, ethyl acetate EALP, and petroleum ether PLP) was determined by DPPH scavenging activity. The presence of phytochemicals was confirmed by total phenolic and flavonoid content analysis (TPC/TFC). HPLC was used for quantification of bioactive components. FTIR analysis was performed for confirmation of functional groups. SPF was calculated via spectroscopic analysis for extract, control gel, and extract loaded emulgel. Stability studies included physical evaluation, pH, conductivity, spreadability, and rheological testing of both control and test emulgels at different temperatures, i.e., 8 °C ± 1, 25 °C ± 1, 40 °C ± 1, 40 °C ± 1 with RH of 75% for a period of 90 days.

RESULTS

DPPH radical scavenging activity showed the highest antioxidant activity of 85.5% ± 2.78 for MLP. TPC and TFC were also found to be highest for the methanolic fraction, i.e., 190.98 ± 0.40 mgGAE/g and 128.28 ± 2.64 mgQE/g, respectively. The SPF of methanolic extract, placebo gel, and LPEG was 13.43 ± 0.46, 2.37 ± 0.33, and 7.28 ± 0.56, respectively. HPLC assay confirmed the presence of catechin, vanillic acid, caffeic acid, and sinapinic acid. Rheological analysis showed that formulation has pseudo-plastic flow behavior. Other stability tests also revealed that prepared emulgel is a stable one.

CONCLUSION

A stable emulgel loaded with Leptadenia pyrotechnica plant extract was successfully prepared and characterized for its cosmetic effects.

Resveratrol-Loaded Attalea funifera Oil Organogel Nanoparticles: A Potential Nanocarrier against A375 Human Melanoma Cells

This study aimed to evaluate Attalea funifera seed oil with or without resveratrol entrapped in organogel nanoparticles in vitro against A375 human melanoma tumor cells. Organogel nanoparticles with seed oil (SON) or with resveratrol entrapped in the seed oil (RSON) formed functional organogel nanoparticles that showed a particle size <100 nm, polydispersity index <0.3, negative zeta potential, and maintenance of electrical conductivity. The resveratrol entrapment efficiency in RSON was 99 ± 1%. The seed oil and SON showed no cytotoxicity against human non-tumor cells or tumor cells. Resveratrol at 50 μg/mL was cytotoxic for non-tumor cells, and was cytotoxic for tumor cells at 25 μg/mL. Resveratrol entrapped in RSON showed a decrease in cytotoxicity against non-tumor cells and cytotoxic against tumor cells at 50 μg/mL. Thus, SON is a potential new platform for the delivery of resveratrol with selective cytotoxic activity in the treatment of melanoma.

Occurrence, exposure and risk assessment of semi-volatile organic compounds in Chinese homes

Indoor semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) can have a significant impact on human health. Previous studies involved the detection of limited classes of indoor SVOCs in different regions of China. However, overall indoor pollution profiles and the associated health risks via multiple exposure pathways remain unclear. High-throughput screening of SVOCs would help clarify the overall indoor pollution status and identify high-risk pollutants. We collected indoor air and dust samples from 35 Chinese homes and investigated the occurrence of a wide range of SVOCs. Ninety-seven SVOCs including phthalate esters (PAEs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organophosphate esters, alcohols, fatty acids, phenols, etc., were detected in the air (total concentrations: 0.13-48 μg/m³; median: 3.4 μg/m³) and dust (total concentrations: 120-1500 μg/g; median: 490 μg/g) samples. PAEs were the most abundant, accounting for 55.3 ± 28.6% and 43.4 ± 16.9% of the total SVOC concentrations in the air and dust samples respectively. Human exposure and health risks of 34 SVOCs with detection frequencies >10% were assessed based on inhalation, ingestion and dermal absorption of SVOCs from air and dust by infants and adults. In the case of indoor SVOCs with log K_oa < 9, inhalation and dermal contact with air was >90% for adults and >69% for infants. The following five SVOCs in air samples posed significant non-carcinogenic risks and are listed based on their decreasing risk level: dibutyl phthalate > phenanthrene > stearic acid > methyl palmitate > lauryl alcohol. Four PAHs with 2-4 rings posed potential carcinogenic risks, with phenanthrene exceeding the acceptable risk level of 10^-4. The high risks posed by SVOCs were due to inhalation exposure. Therefore, keeping the air concentrations of SVOCs, especially that of PAEs and PAHs under check would greatly benefit human health in indoor environments.

A Review of Potential Use of Amazonian Oils in the Synthesis of Organogels for Cosmetic Application

New strategies for the delivery of bioactives in the deeper layers of the skin have been studied in recent years, using mainly natural ingredients. Among the strategies are organogels as a promising tool to load bioactives with different physicochemical characteristics, using vegetable oils. Studies have shown satisfactory skin permeation, good physicochemical stability mainly due to its three-dimensional structure, and controlled release using vegetable oils and low-molecular-weight organogelators. Within the universe of natural ingredients, vegetable oils, especially those from the Amazon, have a series of benefits and characteristics that make them unique compared to conventional oils. Several studies have shown that the use of Amazonian oils brings a series of benefits to the skin, among which are an emollient, moisturizing, and nourishing effect. This work shows a compilation of the main Amazonian oils and their nutraceutical and physicochemical characteristics together with the minority polar components, related to health benefits, and their possible effects on the synthesis of organogels for cosmetic purposes.

In Vitro and In Vivo Wound Healing and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Babassu Oil (Attalea speciosa Mart. Ex Spreng., Arecaceae)

Babassu (Attalea speciosa Mart. ex Spreng., Arecaceae) is a palm tree endemic to Brazil and found mainly in the borders of Amazon forest, where the harvesting of its fruits is an important source of income for more than 300,000 people. Among the communities of coconut breakers women, babassu oil is used in culinary, as fuel, and mostly as medicinal oil for the treatment of skin wounds and inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate in vitro and in vivo the wound healing effects of babassu oil. In vitro, babassu oil increased the migration of L929 fibroblasts, inhibited the production of nitric oxide by LPS-stimulated peritoneal macrophages, and increased the levels of INF-γ and IL-6 cytokines production. In vivo, babassu oil accelerated the healing process in a full-thickness splinted wound model, by an increase in the fibroblasts number, blood vessels, and collagen deposition in the wounds. The babassu oil also increased the recruitment of inflammatory cells into the wound site and showed an anti-inflammatory effect in a chronic ear edema model, reducing ear thickness, epidermal hyperplasia, and myeloperoxidase activity. Thus, these data corroborate the use of babassu oil in folk medicine as a remedy to treat skin wounds.