Optimization of Folic Acid Span 60-organogel to Enhance Its In Vitro and In Vivo Photoprotection: a Comparative Study

Abstract

Aim: The acute effects of UV sunlight exposure were inflammation, erythema, and swelling. The present work aims to formulate a novel organogel preparation that can achieve efficient topical folic acid (FA) delivery to cure inflammation from acute exposure to UV sunlight. Methods: The organogels were prepared by direct melting and stirring on a magnetic stirrer. Photostability and in vivo photoprotection were investigated. Results: Optimized organogel showed more sustained release, more photostability, more effective antioxidant activity, higher in vitro sun protection factor, and greater extent of skin photoprotection from natural sunlight. Conclusion: The present results suggest optimized FA organogel as a promising formulation for effective delivery of FA to the skin maximizing it's in vitro and in vivo performance.

Graphical abstract

Plain language summary

Purpose: The present work aimed at selection of components of a novel organogel formulation which is able to achieve efficient controlled folic acid (FA) topical delivery to skin to effectively cure inflammation produced from acute exposure to natural sunlight. Organogels could effectively deliver lipophilic drugs in a more controlled manner. Selection of components of optimized organogel formulation would suggest enhancement in the antioxidant properties, photostability and in vivo performance of FA. Methods: optimized organogel was prepared by incubating the vial containing components in a water bath for 40 min at 65°C till gain a clear solution to ensure their solubility then the vial is left to cool down to room temperature. Results: Optimized organogel showed higher spreadability and occlusion (F factor = 61.2) than traditional organogel. Optimized FA organogel showed more sustained release and photostability than traditional FA organogel. Optimized organogel and traditional organogel FTIR showed complete absence of drug peaks suggesting strong association of drug inside the formulations. Optimized FA organogel showed maximum in vitro and in vivo protection from UV irradiation. Conclusion: Optimized FA organogel showed the most effective antioxidant, the highest value of in vitro sun protection factor and the highest value for photo protection of skin from nature sunlight in the in vivo studies. All the present results suggesting optimized FA organogel as a promising formulation for effective safe delivery of FA to skin maximizing it's in vitro and in vivo performance.

Keywords:

• antioxidant
• controlled release
• folic acid
• in vitro sun protection factor
• photoprotection
• photostability

Author contributions

ES Shalaby: performing experiments, data analysis. SI Shalaby: writing, editing, aid in the submission process.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Ethical conduct of research

The authors state that they have obtained appropriate institutional review board approval or have followed the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki for all human or animal experimental investigations. In addition, for investigations involving human subjects, informed consent has been obtained from the participants involved.