Antioxidant efficacy of α-Tocopherol nanocarriers formed by ionic liquid vesicular systems to improve solubility and photostability

Abstract

The incorporation of α-Tocopherol (TOH) into 1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (Bmim-AOT) vesicles was investigated using size-exclusion chromatography and UV–visible spectroscopy. The results indicated that the presence of Bmim-AOT vesicles facilitates the complete incorporation of TOH into the bilayer. After being lyophilized, they remain stable for long periods, and the system is reconstituted immediately upon rehydration, facilitating storage and transport. The antioxidant capacity of TOH within the nanocarrier was evaluated using square wave voltammetry (SWV). The results demonstrated that TOH retains its antioxidant properties when encapsulated within Bmim-AOT vesicles. Finally, the protective effect of the nanocarrier against eosin oxidation was investigated through spectroscopic studies. The results showed that eosin undergoes rapid photodegradation under 254 nm irradiation. However, when encapsulated within the vesicles, TOH significantly reduces eosin photodegradation, indicating a protective effect. This study highlights the potential of nanocarriers—such as these spontaneously forming, reproducible vesicles with high encapsulation capacity and excellent stability—that can encapsulate hydrophobic molecules within their bilayers and transport them in aqueous media, thereby enhancing their bioavailability and photostability. These features make them promising candidates for applications across various fields, including the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics industries.