Avaliação da influência do óleo e do polímero sobre as características físico-químicas e estabilidade de sistemas nanoestruturados contendo ubiquinona

Abstract

This work evaluated the influence of the composition on the physico-chemical characteristics, stability and photostability of nanostructures containing ubiquinone. Nanocapsules (NC) and nanoemulsions (NE) were prepared by interfacial deposition of preformed polymers and spontaneous emulsification, respectively. The formulations were characterized and compared in relation to the influence of the oil (argan or linseed oil) and its amount in the formulation (3% or 1.5%), the type of polymer (poli(ε-caprolactone), PCL or Eudragit® RL100, EUD), drug presence, besides the comparison between both nanostructures. To assay ubiquinone, the analytical method was validated and was considered linear, specific, precise and accurate. The formulations had adequate physico-chemical characteristics, with drug contents close to the theoretical value (1mg/mL), encapsulation efficiencies close to 100% and polydispersity index lower than 0.2 for formulations with 1.5% of oil. The reduction of oil concentration caused a decrease in the average diameter and polidispersity index of PCL NC of argan oil and EUD NC and NE of linseed oil. Furthermore, the addition of ubiquinone was able to modify the zeta potential of these formulations. Regarding the type of structure (NE or NC), the pH was influenced. EUD NC presented values lower than NE and PCL NC, regardless of the oil used. In addition, EUD NC with linseed oil had a higher zeta potential in module in relation to the NE and PCL NC. Concerning the type of oil used, particle diameter and polydispersity index were lower for EUD NC of linseed oil in relation to EUD NC of argan oil. Moreover, all formulations were able to photoprotect ubiquinone in comparison with free drug, occurring influence of the oil and the polymer. Regarding the stability, the formulations showed a reduced level of drug over 60 days, while the type of oil influenced this parameter. Nanostructures of argan oil showed higher levels. NC presented higher drug contents in relation to NE. The increase in particle size was only significant for NC of argan oil and PCL at 15 days, which showed a greater diameter than those of PCL NC of linseed oil and EUD NC of argan oil. An increase in zeta potential for NE was detected at 60 days, while EUD NC of argan oil showed a decrease in this parameter. The zeta potential was higher in module for NC of EUD in relation to the respective NE.