Niosomal Plant Extracts for Topical Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plant extracts, particularly dry extracts, are unsuitable for topical formulations due to insolubility in water, unsuitable color, pH sensitivity, and instability in cosmetic and medical products, making them difficult to incorporate effectively in skin and mucosal applications.
Innovation Solution
Embedding plant extracts in hydrophilic vesicles (niosomes) with a size smaller than 500 nm, using esters of linear or branched polyglycerols with saturated or monounsaturated fatty acids, to create stable, colorless, and effective water-based topical compositions for cosmetic and medical use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If plant extracts are incorporated directly into topical formulations, then therapeutic properties are provided, but insolubility in water occurs and stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses phospholipids to form vesicles that act as intermediaries between the hydrophobic plant extracts and the aqueous topical formulation medium. The vesicles encapsulate the plant extracts, enabling their incorporation into water-based formulations while maintaining stability and solubility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and solubility parameters of plant extracts by encapsulating them within phospholipid vesicles. This transformation converts insoluble plant extracts into stable, water-dispersible vesicular structures that can be effectively incorporated into topical formulations.
2Reliability
If plant extracts are used in topical formulations, then therapeutic effects are achieved, but color suitability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The phospholipid vesicles serve as an intermediary that masks the inherent color of plant extracts. The vesicular structure encloses the colored plant materials, presenting a more cosmetically acceptable appearance while preserving the therapeutic properties of the encapsulated extracts.
3Reliability
If plant extracts are incorporated into topical formulations, then active principles are delivered, but pH sensitivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phospholipid vesicles provide beforehand cushioning and protection to the pH-sensitive plant extracts. The vesicular membrane acts as a buffer that shields the encapsulated extracts from adverse pH conditions in the topical formulation, preventing degradation before the active principles can be delivered.
4Ease of operation
If plant extracts are used in high water content formulations, then topical application is enabled, but instability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The phospholipid vesicles act as an intermediary protective structure that enables the plant extracts to withstand high water content environments. The vesicular membrane prevents direct interaction between the hydrophobic extracts and the aqueous formulation, maintaining stability while enabling topical application.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The niosomal formulation enhances the absorption of active principles through the skin, provides hydrating, anti-aging, and anti-wrinkle benefits, while offering anti-irritant and calming effects, improving skin and mucosal health, and reducing redness and oedema.
Implementation Method 1
embedding plant extracts in hydrophilic vesicles (niosomes), preferably having a size smaller than 500 nm
Implementation Method 2
The niosomal formulation enhances the absorption of active principles through the skin
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a topical composition comprising plant extracts. In particular, the present invention relates to a topical composition comprising plant extracts embedded in hydrophilic vesicles (niosomes), preferably having a size smaller than 500 nm, and at least one topically acceptable excipient.