OPTIMIZATION OF BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS ENRICH EXTRACT PROCESSED FROM ULVA LACTUCA AND IMPROVEMENT OF COSMETIC ACTIVITY BY OPTIMIZING THE FORMULATION OF DRUG-LOADED NANOEMULGEL

Abstract

Marine macroalgae are valuable sources of bioactive compounds with applications in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Ulva lactuca, a green seaweed, has gained attention due to its rich bioactive composition and therapeutic potential. However, challenges remain in optimizing extraction and delivery systems. This research aimed to enhance bioactive compound extraction from U. lactuca and improve their cosmetic activity through nanoemulgel formulations.The study focused on four key bioactive components: carotenoids, flavonoids, proteins, and ulvan polysaccharides. Using response surface methodology (RSM), extraction conditions and formulation parameters were optimized for maximum yield and efficiency. Comparative analysis of extraction techniques revealed that ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) outperformed conventional solvent extraction (COSE) and orbital shaker extraction (OSE). Freeze-drying (FD) was the most effective preservation method compared to oven-drying (OD), air-drying (AD), and sun-drying (SD). For carotenoid extraction, an optimized solvent system (hexane:acetone:methanol, 2:1:1) with 0.05 % BHT was used. ?-carotene extraction achieved optimal yield at a 1:32 g/mL solute-to-solvent ratio (85 min, 32 �C), while fucoxanthin extraction was optimized at 1:52 g/mL (87 min, 34 �C). The validated HPLC methodology showed high linearity (r� > 0.999), precision (RSD < 4 %), and accuracy (recovery 79.19-86.32 %). Flavonoid extraction yielded a maximum quercetin concentration (0.0981 mg/g) under optimized conditions (1:52 g/mL, 84 min, 34 �C). The validated HPLC method exhibited high sensitivity (LOD = 0.0536 mg/g, LOQ = 0.1624 mg/g). Protein extraction (Protocol P1) yielded 15.51 � 0.55 % protein and 2.48 � 0.09 % nitrogen. Optimal extraction (23:100 g/mL solute-to-solvent, 3.5 h, 77 �C) resulted in 36.68 % protein and 5.87 % nitrogen. Freeze-drying and oven-drying preserved amino acid levels best (8.46 % and 8.37 %, respectively). Ulvan polysaccharide extraction was optimized at pH 2.1 (82 �C, 3.5 h), yielding 150.45 mg/g neutral sugar, 73.57 mg/g uronic acid, and 471.84 mg/g crude ulvan. The model maintained high accuracy with percentage errors below 1 %. Nanoemulgel development showed high-speed homogenization (HSH) was most effective. Formulations with 2.5 % extract and NET (Tween 80) ensured stability. The optimal 1:2 gelling ratio provided spreadability and transdermal application consistency, maintaining skin-compatible pH (5.80-6.50) and stable viscosity for 90 days. This study establishes standardized protocols for U. lactuca bioactive extraction and transdermal delivery, offering insights for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications while promoting sustainable marine resource use. Future research may focus on industrial scalability and additional therapeutic applications.