Lipid nanocarriers containing Passiflora edulis seeds oil intended for skin application

Abstract Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) have been studied for over 20 years, constituting the second generation of lipid nanoparticles. These nanosystems were introduced to overcome the drawbacks of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN). Passion fruit seeds oil have a high antioxidant potential and also skin whitening properties. The objectives of this work were to prepare NLC by two methods (ultrasonication and High pressure homogenization) using different solid lipids (Glyceryl Distearate, Glyceryl Dibehenate and Cetyl Palmitate) and passion fruit seeds oil as liquid lipid. The nanoparticles prepared with glyceryl distearate, using the ultrasonication method showed better characteristics, since these nanosystems presented smaller particle sizes and polydispersity index, and higher zeta potential. Besides that, these nanoparticles showed a high occlusion factor and non-irritant potential in HET-CAM assay. Based on the results obtained, it may be suggested that the prepared NLCs can be applied to the face, since they did not cause any irritation, and represent a potential strategy for further use in topical formulations with antioxidant activity.