Biodegradable polymeric microparticles containing caffeic acid for dermal application

Abstract

Phenolic compounds are abundant in the Brazilian plant kingdom and they are part of a large and complex group of organic substances. Cinnamic acids are part of this group of organic compounds, and caffeic acid is one of the representatives. Besides powerful antioxidant activity, increasing collagen production and preventing premature aging, caffeic acid has demonstrated antimicrobial activity and may be promising in the treatment of dermal diseases. One of the applications of caffeic acid is in emulsions, which are widely used by consumers for pleasant and refreshing sensory, however, preparations developed in form of film or dry film are presented as an alternative technology for its ease and safety in transportation. To overcome the skin barrier, micro- and nanostructured systems have been developed to facilitate the delivery of active making it available to the tissue for a prolonged period of time without damage or toxicity. The objective of this study is to obtain biodegradable chitosan microparticles containing caffeic acid for dermal administration. Thus, chitosan microparticles containing caffeic acid will be obtained by spray drying and physical-chemically characterized, then they will be incorporated into an emulsion and a cosmetic preparation in film. The antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of caffeic acid will be determined, and finally we will assess the in vitro release profile, permeation and retention of microparticles of caffeic acid from the film and emulsion.