Development of NLC- Based Sunscreen Gel of Lutein and Its In-Vitro and Ex-Vivo Characterisation

Background: In humans, Carotenoids are important in scavenging singlet oxygen and peroxyl radicals. Lutein has been demonstrated in multiple studies to help protect the skin from photodamage, as well as provide a variety of other health advantages. In the recent decade, the topi-cal use of Lutein as a new ultraviolet (UV) protectant, anti-stress, and blue light filter capable of protecting skin from photodamage has piqued cosmetic and pharmacological attention. Because Lutein is insoluble, it was integrated into nanocarriers for topical administration. Objective: The objective of this study was to formulate an NLC-based sunscreen gel of Lutein. Method: Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) were prepared by melt emulsion ultrafiltration tech-nique and were evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI), drug loading (DL), encapsulation efficacy (EE), and in vitro drug release. The optimised formula was incorpo-rated into a gel base and an in-vitro sun protection factor (SPF) was determined. Ex- vivo permea-tion study was performed on rat skin using a Franz diffusion cell. Cocoa butter and rose oil were chosen as solid and liquid lipids for NLC formulation. Results: The particle size, PDI, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and in vitro drug release of optimised formulation (NLC5) were found to be 81.64 nm, 0.463, -14.1mV, 79.90 %, and 89.86% respectively. The SPF value of the Lutein-NLC-loaded gel was found to be 27.524. The drug flux Jss from NLC gel was measured in the range of 0.07955 g/cm2/h. Conclusion: The investigation suggested lipid nanoparticles as a suitable carrier for Lutein to be delivered as sunscreen gel.