Formulation and characterization of novel nanostructured lipid carriers made from beeswax, propolis wax and pomegranate seed oil

•Nanostructured lipid carrier was formulated using propolis wax and pomegranate seed oil.•NLC showed Z-averages of 71-350 nm, low polydispersity and an excellent physical stability.•The best formulation was PW and BW + glycerol behenate samples containing 10% oil and 6% surfactant.•Encapsulation efficiency indicated high distribution of oil throughout the lipid carriers.•TEM exhibited spherical morphology of NLCs.

The objective of this study was to develop functional nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) using beeswax (BW), propolis wax (PW) and pomegranate seed oil (PSO). NLCs were prepared by a melt emulsification-ultra sonication technique. The influences of solid lipid composition, surfactant blend concentration (2, 4, and 6% of formulation) and PSO content (10, 30 and 50% of total lipid phase) were investigated. Statistical evaluations revealed that the formulation variables had significant effects on physical properties of NLC. The developed nanocarriers presented particle sizes ranging from 71 to 366 nm, leading to excellent physical stability. The optimum formulations with minimum particle size and high zeta potential value were PW and BW + glycerol behenate samples, containing 10% oil and 6% surfactant. DSC and XRD studies indicated that the addition of oil to the lipid phase could disturb the crystalline order and form lattice defects. TEM observations exhibited spherical morphology of the NLCs.