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.