Vitamin E Microencapsulation via Electrohydrodynamic Techniques for Potential Use in Skin Care and Dermatological Applications
Vitamin E is widely used in cosmetics and dermatological applications for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties, yet its industrial use is limited by poor stability and bioavailability. To address these challenges, this study developed zein-based microstructures encapsulating vi...
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MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| author | Daniela Dias Berta Nogueiro Estevinho |
| author_facet | Daniela Dias Berta Nogueiro Estevinho |
| author_sort | Daniela Dias |
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| description | Vitamin E is widely used in cosmetics and dermatological applications for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties, yet its industrial use is limited by poor stability and bioavailability. To address these challenges, this study developed zein-based microstructures encapsulating vitamin E using electrohydrodynamic (EHD) techniques and evaluated how zein concentration affects morphology and release behavior. The SEM analysis showed that biopolymer (zein) concentration significantly affects microstructure morphology. At low concentrations (1%, 5%, and 15% (<i>w</i>/<i>v</i>)), micro/nanoparticles are formed, and high concentrations (30% (<i>w</i>/<i>v</i>)) yielded only fibers. The average size of the structures produced with zein (1–15% <i>w</i>/<i>v</i>) ranged from 0.38 to 0.90 µm, as measured using the program ImageJ (v1.54d). Structures containing vitamin E were generally smaller than those without. For electrospun fibers made with 30% zein, diameters ranged from 0.49 to 0.74 µm, with vitamin E-containing fibers also being thinner. Conductivity also influenced morphology; higher conductivity developed fibers, while lower conductivity formed particles. The solution with 15% (<i>w</i>/<i>v</i>) zein + 1% (<i>w</i>/<i>w</i>) vitamin E showed a conductivity of 1276 μS, similar to the 15% zein solution (1280 μS), indicating that vitamin E addition had no significant effect on conductivity. Release assays revealed that structures produced with low zein concentrations led to immediate release, while structured made with higher concentrations, prolonged release. A preliminary cosmetic formulation test has been conducted. The vitamin E microstructures were successfully incorporated into aloe vera hydrogel and coconut oil to show their potential for cosmetic applications. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-be9b31cfc0a44dafb82008154809ac93 |
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| series | Molecules |
| spelling | doaj-art-be9b31cfc0a44dafb82008154809ac932025-08-20T03:11:22ZengMDPI AGMolecules1420-30492025-05-013011230610.3390/molecules30112306Vitamin E Microencapsulation via Electrohydrodynamic Techniques for Potential Use in Skin Care and Dermatological ApplicationsDaniela Dias0Berta Nogueiro Estevinho1LEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, PortugalLEPABE—Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, PortugalVitamin E is widely used in cosmetics and dermatological applications for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties, yet its industrial use is limited by poor stability and bioavailability. To address these challenges, this study developed zein-based microstructures encapsulating vitamin E using electrohydrodynamic (EHD) techniques and evaluated how zein concentration affects morphology and release behavior. The SEM analysis showed that biopolymer (zein) concentration significantly affects microstructure morphology. At low concentrations (1%, 5%, and 15% (<i>w</i>/<i>v</i>)), micro/nanoparticles are formed, and high concentrations (30% (<i>w</i>/<i>v</i>)) yielded only fibers. The average size of the structures produced with zein (1–15% <i>w</i>/<i>v</i>) ranged from 0.38 to 0.90 µm, as measured using the program ImageJ (v1.54d). Structures containing vitamin E were generally smaller than those without. For electrospun fibers made with 30% zein, diameters ranged from 0.49 to 0.74 µm, with vitamin E-containing fibers also being thinner. Conductivity also influenced morphology; higher conductivity developed fibers, while lower conductivity formed particles. The solution with 15% (<i>w</i>/<i>v</i>) zein + 1% (<i>w</i>/<i>w</i>) vitamin E showed a conductivity of 1276 μS, similar to the 15% zein solution (1280 μS), indicating that vitamin E addition had no significant effect on conductivity. Release assays revealed that structures produced with low zein concentrations led to immediate release, while structured made with higher concentrations, prolonged release. A preliminary cosmetic formulation test has been conducted. The vitamin E microstructures were successfully incorporated into aloe vera hydrogel and coconut oil to show their potential for cosmetic applications.https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/11/2306electrohydrodynamic techniques (EHD)electrospinningelectrosprayingvitamin Ezeincosmetic/dermatological applications |
| spellingShingle | Daniela Dias Berta Nogueiro Estevinho Vitamin E Microencapsulation via Electrohydrodynamic Techniques for Potential Use in Skin Care and Dermatological Applications Molecules electrohydrodynamic techniques (EHD) electrospinning electrospraying vitamin E zein cosmetic/dermatological applications |
| title | Vitamin E Microencapsulation via Electrohydrodynamic Techniques for Potential Use in Skin Care and Dermatological Applications |
| title_full | Vitamin E Microencapsulation via Electrohydrodynamic Techniques for Potential Use in Skin Care and Dermatological Applications |
| title_fullStr | Vitamin E Microencapsulation via Electrohydrodynamic Techniques for Potential Use in Skin Care and Dermatological Applications |
| title_full_unstemmed | Vitamin E Microencapsulation via Electrohydrodynamic Techniques for Potential Use in Skin Care and Dermatological Applications |
| title_short | Vitamin E Microencapsulation via Electrohydrodynamic Techniques for Potential Use in Skin Care and Dermatological Applications |
| title_sort | vitamin e microencapsulation via electrohydrodynamic techniques for potential use in skin care and dermatological applications |
| topic | electrohydrodynamic techniques (EHD) electrospinning electrospraying vitamin E zein cosmetic/dermatological applications |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/11/2306 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT danieladias vitaminemicroencapsulationviaelectrohydrodynamictechniquesforpotentialuseinskincareanddermatologicalapplications AT bertanogueiroestevinho vitaminemicroencapsulationviaelectrohydrodynamictechniquesforpotentialuseinskincareanddermatologicalapplications |