Efficient transdermal penetration and improved stability of L-ascorbic acid encapsulated in an inorganic nanocapsule

Abstract

Encapsulation of L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) within a bio-compatible layered inorganic material was achieved by coprecipitation reaction, in which the layered inorganic lattice and its intercalate of vitamin C are simultaneously formed. The nano-meter sized powders of vitamin C intercalate thus prepared was again encapsulated with silica nano-sol to form a nanoporous shell structure. This ternary nanohybrid of vitamin C-layered inorganic core-SiO2 shell exhibited an enhanced storage stability and a sustained releasing of vitamin C. Furthermore, the nano-encapsulation of vitamin C with inorganic mineral was very helpful in delivering vitamin C molecules into skin through stratum corneum, facilitating transdermal penetration of vitamin C in topical application.