Poly‐Epsilon‐Caprolactone Nanocapsules Containing Octyl Methoxycinnamate: Preparation and Characterization

Abstract

This study investigates the different nanocapsules (NCs) made of poly‐epsilon‐caprolactone (PCL) containing the lipophilic sunscreen Escalol® 557 [octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC)] and analyzes the influence of nanoparticle‐based systems on light‐induced decomposition of the sunscreen agent. The NCs were designed and prepared by the solvent displacement method. Formulation parameters, such as the nature and volume of the organic and aqueous phase and the nature and concentration of the surfactants and polymer, have relevant implications on NC elaboration. We investigated the influence of several technological (stirring speed: 300–800 rpm) and formulation factors [polymer amount, 195–244.5 mg; surfactant, Tween® 85 (Polysorbate 85), Montanox® 80 (Polysorbate 80), and Synperonic® PE/F68 (Poloxamer 188) as stabilizing agents; and volume of the organic phase, 20–30 mL of acetone] on the particle size and the OMC loading capacity of the formulations—encapsulation efficiency and yield. The sizes of NC obtained were in the range of 309 to 1042 nm, the encapsulation efficiencies ranged from 93.82% to 99.97%, and yields of NC encapsulation ranged from 48.12% to 86.28%. Of all the preset experimental conditions, Montanox® 80, 30 mL of acetone, 244.5 mg of polymer, and a stirring speed of 350 rpm have been selected as the best in this experimental design study. The experimental conditions selected to obtain OMC‐loaded NC of 374 nm resulted in a high entrapment percentage (97.52%) and yield (82.95%). The PCL nanoparticles loaded with OMC were effective in reducing light‐induced degradation of the sunscreen agent.

Keywords:

• Nanocapsules
• Octyl methoxycinnamate
• Poly‐epsilon‐caprolactone
• Solvent displacement
• Photodegradation studies