Micropartículas do extrato de spondias bahiensis obtidas por spray drying: uma abordagem para fotoproteção natural

Abstract

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is directly associated with photoaging and an increased incidence of cutaneous neoplasms, highlighting the need for safe and environmentally sustainable photoprotective strategies. In this context, antioxidant plant-derived actives have emerged as promising alternatives to synthetic filters, particularly considering the ecological impacts attributed to the latter. This study reports the development and characterization of microparticles obtained by spray drying from the hydroalcoholic extract of Spondias bahiensis leaves. The extract, prepared by dynamic maceration (ethanol:water, 70:30), showed a total solids content of 52.7 ± 2.3 mg/mL. Microparticles produced with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K-30) and colloidal silicon dioxide (Aerosil®) achieved a mean yield of 57.8% ± 1.5, with subspherical heterogeneous morphology, particle size below 180 μm, and moisture content <5%, indicating long-term stability. DRX, FTIR, and DTA/TG analyses confirmed the structural preservation of phenolic compounds and enhanced stability of the microparticulated extract compared to the crude extract. The UVB photoprotective activity, determined by the Mansur method, revealed SPF values of 12.08 ± 1.81 for the microparticle formulation (FMUC) and 12.21 ± 1.81 for the non-encapsulated extract (FUC). Biological assays demonstrated a safe profile, with acute toxicity in Artemia salina below 2% and fibroblast (L929) viability above 70% at 2000 μg/mL. Under UVA and UVB irradiation, formulations containing microparticles preserved 86.7% and 80.3% of L929 cell viability, respectively, maintaining approximately 90% of the photoprotection observed for the crude extract in both radiations. In UVA photoprotection assays with microcrustaceans, viability reached 100%. In summary, the microencapsulation of S. bahiensis produced stable and safe systems with enhanced photoprotective performance, supporting its potential as a functional active for innovative and sustainable dermocosmetic applications. These findings reinforce the valorization of Brazilian biodiversity as a strategic source of novel natural photoprotectors with scientific, pharmaceutical, and environmental relevance.