Improving the Photostability and Antioxidant Activity of Resveratrol via Incorporation in Two Types of Polymeric Nanoparticles

The natural stilbene resveratrol is a widely researched molecule, owing to its antioxidant activity and abundance of pharmacological effects. However, its application is still hindered due to its low aqueous solubility, bioavailability and photostability. Therefore, in the current study, resveratrol was loaded in two types of polymeric nanoparticles, namely mixed Pluronic F127 and P123 micelles, and bovine serum albumin nanospheres. The loaded micelles and nanospheres possessed mean diameters of 33 nm and 145 nm, zeta potentials of −4 mV and −22.6 mV, and encapsulation efficiency levels of 89.4% and 76.2%, respectively. The aqueous solubility of resveratrol increased after loading, especially in the albumin nanospheres. A sustained release was observed, more pronounced for the micelles. The photostability of the encapsulated and pure resveratrol was evaluated under daylight exposure and UV irradiation. The micelles showed superior protective effect compared to the nanospheres. The antioxidant potentials of the formulations were examined through ABTS radical scavenging activity assay and in vitro cell model of oxidative stress in L929 fibroblasts. The resveratrol-loaded albumin nanospheres showed a more enhanced antioxidant effect. Thus, the encapsulation of resveratrol in both types of nanoparticles could be considered an advantageous approach due to improvements in solubility, stability and antioxidant activity.