Nanosystems with potential application as carriers for skin depigmenting actives.

Hyperpigmentation is a skin disorder characterized by excessive production of melanin in the skin and includes dyschromias such as post-inflammatory hyperchromias, lentigens, melasma and chloasma. Topical products containing depigmenting agents offer a less aggressive treatment option for hyperpigmentation compared to methods like chemical peels and laser sessions. However, some of these agents can cause side effects such as redness and skin irritation. Encapsulating these actives in nanosystems shows promise in mitigating these effects and improving product safety and efficacy. In addition, nanocarriers have the ability to penetrate the skin, potentially allowing for targeted delivery of actives to the affected areas. The most commonly investigated nanosystems are nanoemulsions, vesicular nanosystems and nanoparticles, in which different materials can be used to generate different compositions in order to improve the properties of these nanocarriers. Nanocarriers have already been widely explored, but it is necessary to understand the evolution of these technologies when applied to the treatment of skin hyperchromias. Therefore, this literature review aims to present the state of the art over the last 15 years on the use of nanosystems as a potential strategy for encapsulating depigmenting actives for potential application in cosmetic products for skin hyperchromia. By providing a comprehensive overview of the latest research findings and technological advances, this article can contribute to improving the care and quality of life of people affected by this skin condition.

Hybrid Vesicular Nanosystems Based on Lipids and Polymers Applied in Therapy, Theranostics, and Cosmetics.

Nanotechnology has made great contributions in the development of materials with potential application in different areas, especially in the pharmaceutical sector, where nano-systems are being intensely studied for controlled drug release. These innovative systems are composed of structures such as nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, and cyclodextrins, with the aim of promoting enhanced bioavailability of bioactive molecules. Among these nanocarriers, vesicles such as liposomes and polymersomes are considered to be promising alternatives in delivering hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. They have different classifications according to their composition, among which are hybrid vesicles, which unlike liposomes are composed of both lipids and polymers. These vesicular systems stand out for combining the advantages of both components, overcoming the limitations of traditional systems imposed by low stability and premature release of the encapsulated active substance. The polymers applied in hybrid vesicles can make up the membrane structure itself or be employed to coat preformed vesicles. Due to the relevance of these systems, this work covers their characteristics and summarizes recent articles about them in the literature.

Nanovesicle-based formulations for photoprotection: a safety and efficacy approach.

Vesicular nanosystems are versatile and they are able to encapsulate actives with different solubilities, such as lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds. The most well-known vesicular nanosystems are liposomes and niosomes, the last one is formed by non-ionic surfactants. In the present work, we developed photoprotective niosomes containing sunscreens (octyl methoxycinnamate, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate and phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid), non-ionic surfactants, cholesterol and stearylamine (positive-charged lipid). Studies based on dynamic light scattering techniques, entrapment efficiency and morphology by transmission electron microscopy were performed to characterize the niosomes. In addition, rheology, pH, in vitro sun protection factor (SPF) efficacy and toxicity and in vivo and in vitro safety were determined for the niosome formulations F-N1 and F-N2. The mean sizes of N1 and N2 were 168 ± 5 nm and 192 ± 8 nm, respectively, and their morphologies were spherical, unilamellar and with an entrapment efficiency of more than 45% for each sunscreen. Both formulations, F-N1 and F-N2 presented characteristics of pseudoplastic non-Newtonian fluids, showing declining viscosity with increasing shear rate applied. SPF values were considered satisfactory, 34 ± 8 for formulation F-N1 and 34 ± 5 for F-N2. The formulations did not present toxicity when tested in macrophages and the pH was compatible with skin, which minimizes allergies. The in vitro safety assay showed lipophilic sunscreens greater affinity for the epidermis, since this layer contains natural lipids. In vivo safety assay suggests that the increased skin retention of N2 is directly correlated with the positive charge of stearylamine. Stable photoprotective niosomes were obtained and were shown to be promising nanostructures to be used against solar radiation.

Niosomes as Nano-Delivery Systems in the Pharmaceutical Field.

Nanosystems used in the pharmaceutical field aim to guarantee a controlled release and efficacy boost with dose reduction of the drug. The same active ingredient could be vehiculated in different concentrations in distinct nanosystems. Among these nanostructures, the vesicular ones present a versatile delivery system that could be applied to encapsulate lipophilic, amphiphilic, and hydrophilic compounds. Liposomes are the most well-known vesicular nanosystems; however, there are others, such as niosomes, that are composed of nonionic surfactants that are polymeric or conventional. Niosomes could be prepared using the thin film hydration method, in which the active ingredient is solubilized in organic solvent with the surfactant or in aqueous solution depending on its polarity. In addition, co-surfactants could be used to improve stabilization and vesicle integrity because they occupy regions in the interface where the mainly surfactant could not reach. Vesicular nanosystems could be characterized by different techniques, such as microscopy, dynamic light scattering, nuclear magnetic resonance, and others. These nanostructures could be applied to drugs (administered by different routes) or to gene and cosmetic delivery systems.