Sargassum-Derived Fucoidan and Synthetic Lipids for Advanced Liposomal Skincare Formulations
Board Location: #41
Discipline: Biological Sciences
Subcategory: cell & molecular biology
Session: 1
Sandra V. Nieves Morón - University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras campus
Co-Author(s): Angela C. Cruz Lugo Natural Science College, University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras Dr. Liz M. Diaz Vázquez Natural Science College, University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras
There is currently a vast biomass of Sargassum, a type of brown macroalgae, in the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, producing serious environmental, ecological, health, and economic issues. Research possibilities to raise the value of Sargassum biomass applications are critical for countries suffering from brown algae overproduction. Fucoidan, one of Sargassum’s key polysaccharides, is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and photoprotective characteristics, making it a good candidate for enhancing skin health. The liposomal formulation has been carried out to maintain these properties for skin health. The lipid bilayer of the liposomes consisted of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-(1-rac-glycerol) (DPPG), a positively charged lipid, or 1,2-dipalmitoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane (DOTAP), a negatively charged lipid used in different applications, specifically skincare. Empty and fucoidan-coated liposomes were prepared using thin-film hydration. These liposomes’ physical stability and morphology were studied using various techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle size, and zeta potential. The addition of fucoidan resulted in higher zeta potentials, confirming the stability compared to those without it. Photodegradation was also carried out by irradiating the sample to a Xenon Arc Lamp for 30 minutes and characterized qualitatively by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to confirm the incorporation of fucoidan in the formulation and to disregard the formation of secondary products due to photodegradation. No significant changes in the spectrum or new bands indicative of liposomal degradation were detected, suggesting that the liposomes are sufficiently resistant to radiation. Future work will include quantitative analyses using Gas Chromatography to compare lipid concentrations after radiation and to identify any secondary products that may form during degradation. If the lipids prove to be resistant to degradation, they could be used in diverse applications, including skincare products that protect the skin from environmental stressors.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): NASA PR-SPRInT No. 80NSSC19M0236.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Liz M. Diaz Vázquez, liz.diaz2@upr.edu
Role: In this project, I was responsible for the creation of liposomes with synthetic lipids and analyzing their properties. I conducted FTIR studies to confirm the presence of fucoidan in the samples and used Zeta Potential analysis to assess their stability. Additionally, I did photodegradation to evaluate the liposomal degradation when exposed to UV light.