Lavandula angustifolia essential oil-loaded nanocapsules and biological activity on fibroblasts

Lavender essential oil (LEO) has shown promising properties for use in anti-aging cosmetics because of its ability to enhance collagen synthesis in fibroblasts. The nanoencapsulation of LEO may not only improve the permeation of the active ingredient into the skin, but also helps to prevent loss of volatile ingredients and to increase the formulation stability. The aim of this study was to develop LEO-loaded nanocapsules and to evaluate its biological activity. LEO-loaded nanocapsules were prepared using a 2³ full factorial design by the preformed polymer interfacial deposition method. An analytical method for the evaluation of the efficiency of lavender oil encapsulation in nanocapsules was developed and validated by High Performance Liquid Chromatography analysis and demonstrated a maximum encapsulation efficiency of 43.5%. Analysis by Atomic Force Microscopy revealed spherical morphology of nanocapsules. LEO-loaded nanocapsules were also characterized by Dynamic Light Scattering technique and Streaming Potential. Hydrodynamic Diameter Average and Polydispersity Index were 259.5±7.4 nm and 0.148±0.03, respectively. The zeta potential observed was -32.12±0.97 mV. The LEO-loaded nanocapsules safety was demonstrated by cytotoxicity test in fibroblasts. Furthermore, the essential oil of L. angustifolia showed cytoprotection of fibroblasts towards the oxidation promoted by the peroxide solution. Therefore, the produced LEO-loaded nanocapsules demonstrated great stability and biological safety to be used as a cosmetic ingredient for anti-aging purpose.