Proliposomes of Eugenia pyriformis Cambess: Physicochemical Characterization, Stability, and Safety Evaluation

• Grant number: 25/01719-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Industrial Operations and Equipment for Chemical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Wanderley Pereira Oliveira
• Grantee: Gabriela Alves da Silva
• Supervisor: Eliana Maria Barbosa Souto
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: University College Dublin, Ireland
• Associated to the scholarship: 24/09270-5 - Proliposomes of Eugenia pyriformis Cambess for mature skin: encapsulation, drying, and clinical efficacy, BP.IC

Abstract

The demand for phytoactive compounds in cosmetics is increasing due to their potential as safer and more sustainable alternatives to synthetic ingredients. The Eugenia pyriformis Cambess (uvaia), a species native to the Atlantic Forest, is rich in phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid, exhibiting high antioxidant activity. This makes it a promising candidate for cosmetic applications, particularly for mature skin formulations. However, the physicochemical properties of plant-based actives often pose challenges for their incorporation into complex formulations. Encapsulation technologies, such as liposomes, offer a viable solution by enabling controlled release, enhancing biocompatibility, and increasing the functionality of plant-derived compounds. Liposomes are particularly advantageous as they can encapsulate both hydrophilic and lipophilic substances within a single system. Despite their potential, liposomes face stability issues in liquid form. To address this, freeze-drying has been employed in this study to produce proliposomes, which exhibit improved stability. To ensure the quality and safety of these encapsulation systems, a detailed physicochemical characterization is essential. This study aims to evaluate key parameters such as morphology, polymorphism, thermal behavior, crystallinity, encapsulation efficiency, size distribution, surface charge, in vitro cytotoxicity and stability. By providing a physicochemical and safety characterization of liposomes and proliposomes containing bioactive compounds from Eugenia pyriformis Cambess, this research seeks to establish their potential as innovative and sustainable ingredients for mature skin cosmetic applications.