Liposomal Encapsulation of Photoprotector Molecules

Context: As the amount of sunscreen agent inside the stratum corneum has a direct relationship with its sun protection value, the formulation of drug carrier systems for the encapsulation and delivery of photoprotective molecules have an importance. On this basis the unique property of the liposomes can be used for the encapsulation of ultraviolet filter molecules and the development of liposomal sunscreen agents. Methods and Material: In the present study we investigated four different lipid compositions from L-α-phosphatidylcholine (DPPC), Cholesterol (CHOL), 1,2-Di-O-Octadecenyl-3-Trimethylammoniumpropane chloride salt (DOTMA) and 1,2-Dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) for the encapsulation of three ultraviolet filters – octocrylene, avobenzone and phenyl salicylate. Settings and Design: We evaluated, whether the charge and fluidity of the bilayer, the cholesterol content of the liposomes and the lamellarity of the vesicles have an impact on the encapsulation efficiency of the selected photoprotector molecules.