Tretinoin-loaded nanocapsules: Preparation, physicochemical characterization, and photostability study

The aim of this study was to prepare and characterize tretinoin-loaded nanocapsules as well as to evaluate the influence of this nanoencapsulation on tretinoin photostability. Tretinoin-loaded nanocapsules (0.5 mg ml−1) were prepared by interfacial deposition of preformed polymer (poly-ɛ-caprolactone) using two different oily phases: capric/caprylic triglycerides and sunflower seed oil. Tretinoin-loaded nanocapsules presented drug content close to the theoretical value, encapsulation efficiencies higher than 99.9%, nanometric mean size with a polydispersity index below 0.25, and pH values between 5.0 and 7.0. Regarding photodegradation studies, tretinoin methanolic solution showed a half-life time around 40 min according to a first order equation, whereas tretinoin nanocapsule suspensions showed a half-life between 85 and 100 min (twofold higher than in methanolic solution) according to a zero order equation. Tretinoin-loaded nanocapsules improved tretinoin photostability, independently on the type of oily phase used in this study, and represent a potential system to be incorporated in topical or systemic dosage forms containing tretinoin.