Exploring thermal water serum containing α-CD microsponges for Pistacia terebinthus L. extract topical delivery

Monica Argenziano – Associate Professor, University of Turin; Mário Pedro Marques – PhD student, University of Coimbra; Francesco Trotta – Full Professor, University of Turin; André Araújo – Full Professor, Instituto Politécnico da Guarda; Célia Cabral – Associate Professor, University of Coimbra

Introduction: Plants’ species from the genus Pistacia L. (Anacardiaceae) have been traditionally used to treat skin conditions and showed great potential for skin antioxidant and anti-aging applications [1]. The encapsulation of plant extracts in α-cyclodextrin microsponges (α-CD-MS), biocompatible highly porous polymeric carriers composed by CD building blocks chemically cross-linked with a cross-linking agent, can be an approach to improve extract solubility, prevent its thermal and light-induced degradation and provide prolonged release. This work aims to develop a serum based on Cró thermal water, from Beira Interior of Portugal, and containing Pistacia terebinthus extract-loaded α-CD-MS.