Jaboticaba (Plinia peruviana) extract nanoemulsions: development, stability, and in vitro antioxidant activity

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this work is to develop and characterize nanoemulsions containing jaboticaba extract (Plinia peruviana) aiming pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications.

Methods: Nanoemulsions were prepared by high-pressure homogenization method using different concentrations of components (oil, surfactant, and extract) and homogenization pressures, in order to optimize the preparation conditions. Both unloaded and extract-loaded nanoemulsions were characterized according to their size, polydispersity, zeta potential, pH, morphology, and physical stability. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents in free jaboticaba extract and jaboticaba-loaded nanoemulsions were determined spectrophotometrically, while ellagic acid content was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. In vitro antioxidant activity was investigated by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods.

Results: Colloidal dispersions exhibited a mean particle size around 200 nm, with monodisperse size distribution (PdI <0.3), and spherical shape. Stability studies showed that nanoemulsions were stable over 120 d of storage at room temperature. Jaboticaba nanoemulsions showed significant concentrations of phenolics, flavonoids, and ellagic acid, with encapsulation efficiency values higher than 90%. Antioxidant properties of jaboticaba nanoemulsions were demonstrated by its remarkable ability to scavenge DPPH free radicals and to reduce ferric–tripyridyltriazine complex, which can be attributed to their phenolic and flavonoid contents.

Conclusions: The results suggest that nanoemulsions containing jaboticaba extract can be considered a promising candidate as a new antioxidant agent.

Keywords:

• Jaboticaba
• Plinia peruviana
• phenolic compounds
• nanoemulsion
• high-pressure homogenization
• drug delivery
• formulation development
• stability study
• antioxidant activity

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful for the help of Aline Pereira and Mayara Breskovit Blasius for the assistance in the extract preparation. The research fellowship from CNPq on behalf of M. Maraschin is acknowledged.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The authors acknowledge the financial support from FAPESC, CNPq, and CAPES (CAPES-PNPD Grant).