Formulation and Optimisation of Kojic Acid-Loaded Cubosomes for Topical Management of Melasma

Resumen

Background: Dark spots are caused by melasma, a common disorder in which the skin produces too much melanin. Kojic acid is frequently used to treat this, but its usefulness is restricted because it can be unstable and doesn't always enter the skin well. Methods: Using a top-down homogenization method, we created cubosomes loaded with kojic acid using glyceryl monooleate and Tween 80. FTIR and DSC testing were also conductedWe also investigated stability, ex vivo skin permeation and tyrosinase inhibition capacity. Results: Particle size of the new formulation was found to be 181.6 nm, zeta potential -22.6 mV, and PDI 0.456. Moreover, its entrapment efficiency was 88% and its drug content was 91.2%. According to FTIR analysis, kojic acid and the other components were compatible. Additionally, DSC analyses verified the drug's incorporation into the cubosomal matrix. After six hours in ex vivo skin penetration testing, 89.57% of the whole medication had penetrated. This was better compared to 65.14% for pure kojic acid. At a concentration of 100 µg/mL, the formulation showed concentration-dependent tyrosinase inhibitory activity, which stood at 76.5%. Lastly, stability studies showed that there were no changes in the physicochemical Conclusion: Kojic acid loaded cubosomes were developed which are very stable, have better skin permeability, good entrapment efficiency, and efficiently inhibit tyrosinase. To treat melasma, this novel formulation may provide a powerful topical delivery mechanism for kojic acid.