Development of Mangiferin-Loaded Anisotropic Emulsion for Cosmetic Applications: Structural Characterization of Lamellar System

Lamellar emulsions have emerged as promising delivery systems for bioactive compounds due to their ability to improve physical stability and enhance skin hydration. Mangiferin, a polyphenol extracted from mango leaves, exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and was incorporated as a natural active ingredient in the studied emulsions. This study aimed to develop lamellar emulsions containing mangiferin extract, formulated using surfactant mixtures. To characterize the structural properties of the resulting formulations, advanced analytical techniques, including polarized light microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), were employed. The emulsions were prepared by blending sorbitan-based and sucrose-based surfactants in varying ratios to identify the optimal combination. It was found that a 4:1 ratio of sorbitan palmitate to sucrose palmitate resulted in a well-organized lamellar structure. The formulated emulsions exhibited a creamy texture, good spreadability, and desirable viscosity characteristics. Polarized light microscopy revealed an anisotropic structure with distinct Maltese cross patterns, while DSC analysis demonstrated specific phase transition temperatures that shifted upon mangiferin incorporation. Furthermore, SAXS and WAXS analyses confirmed the presence of a periodic lamellar structure in the emulsions. In conclusion, lamellar emulsions containing mangiferin extract were successfully developed using a blend of sorbitan palmitate and sucrose palmitate, with the 4:1 ratio proving to be particularly effective in achieving a stable and well-structured formulation.