A comparative study of liposomes and chitosomes for topical quercetin antioxidant therapy

The flavonoid quercetin shows excellent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and it is proposed for the prevention and treatment of various skin conditions such as melanoma. However, its low solubility and instability hinders its formulation. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to develop, characterize and compare lipidic nanoformulations of quercetin intended for dermal use. We prepared liposomes (F1, F2) and chitosomes (F3, F4) with egg phosphatidylcholine and two different concentrations of surfactant (Tween 20), using the hydration method followed by sonication and extrusion. The percentage of encapsulated quercetin (HPLC), particle size and zeta potential, the release profile of quercetin, the antioxidant action, stability and skin accumulation were evaluated. The size of the prepared vesicles was between 184 nm and 342.7 nm with a zeta potential that was negative for liposomes and positive for chitosomes. The percentage of encapsulation was over 78% for both vesicles. The quercetin encapsulated in the vesicles maintained its antioxidant activity, which was superior for chitosomes due to the synergistic action of chitosan. The release profiles showed the controlled release of quercetin. The formulations developed have the appropriate characteristics for the administration of quercetin by the dermal route.

Automated summary

This study developed lipidic nanoformulations of quercetin for dermal use. The formulated liposomes and chitosomes showed suitable characteristics for dermal administration and preserved the antioxidant activity of quercetin.