PVA/PVP K90 Nanofibers Containing Punica granatum Peel Extract for Cosmeceutical Purposes

Abstract

This study aimed to develop, characterize, and investigate the cosmeceutical activities and irritation properties of Punica granatum peel extract (PE) loaded nanofibers. Nanofibers from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K90) were prepared using an electrospinning technique and characterized by scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometer, differential scanning calorimeter, and tensile tester. The content of PE loaded in nanofibers were investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography. PE loaded nanofibers were investigated for antioxidant activities by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) assay. Anti-tyrosinase was determined by spectrophotometric method. The cytotoxicity and irritation properties were determined by WST-1-based cell cytotoxicity assay and hen’s egg test chorioallantoic membrane assay, respectively. The results remarked that 2.5 % w/v PE loaded in nanofiber containing 10 % w/v PVA and 2 % w/v PVP K90 (N2) were uniform with the mean diameter of 493.9±91.6 nm. The amorphous form of nanofibers was detected and around 94 % w/w of PE was entrapped. Additionally, N2 showed the most suitable mechanical properties and possessed the significantly highest antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activities. Notably, it was safe since it had no cytotoxicity and no irritation. Therefore, PE loaded nanofibers were attractive and suggested for cosmeceutical applications.