Preparation of a ferulic acid–phospholipid complex to improve solubility, dissolution, and B16F10 cellular melanogenesis inhibition activity

BACKGROUND We aimed to enhance the solubility, dissolution properties, and skin-whitening ability of ferulic acid (FA) by preparing a ferulic acid-phospholipid complex (FA-PC). The properties and melanogenesis inhibition activities of FA-PC were then elucidated. METHODS We characterized the complex via differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, solubility, and oil-water partition coefficient. A Strat-M® membrane, a synthetic membrane possessing diffusion characteristics that are well-correlated with human skin, was used for the diffusion studies of FA-PC. RESULTS We found that the lipophilicity of FA improved when complexed with phospholipids, allowing FA-PC to release FA in a controlled pattern. In the same time, complexing with phospholipids also obviously enhanced inhibition of B16F10 cellular melanogenesis. CONCLUSIONS FA-PC is a promising material for medicinal and cosmetic usages.