Nanogels as controlled drug release systems for Coenzyme Q10 and Resveratrol for cosmetic application

Polymeric nanogels have been widely used as drug carrier systems due to their high drug loading capacity and an improved solubility of hydrophobic drugs. Many studies have shown that hydrophobic antioxidants, such as CoQ10 or Resveratrol, might improve healthy skin and be an effective antiaging treatment by repairing photo-damaged skin. This study was carried out to develop a delivery system based on bio-compatible and water-dispersible nanogels capable of encapsulating Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and Resveratrol. The nanogels are based on Pluronic (R) P123 coated with polyvinylpyrrolidone plus polyethyleneglycol (P123/PVP-PEG). Their physicochemical properties and morphological characteristics were evaluated in detail, as well as in vitro drug release. These nanogels were able to encapsulate and release Resveratrol and CoQ10 better than pure drugs at skin temperature (32 degrees C), from 31 to 43 and from 25 to 40%, respectively. The systems exhibited nanometric dimensions and spherical shape shown in the SEM and HRTEM micrographs. The bacterial bioassays studies showed that loaded materials do not affect bacterial growth. In addition, aqueous polymeric dispersions were stable for at least 24 h. The results indicated that the prepared nanogels were water-dispersible, non-toxic in the first tests, and they could be potential candidates for hydrophobic anti-oxidant release.