Molecular Influence of Terpene Composition on Encapsulation Efficiency and Cytocompatibility of PCL/PF68 Nanoparticles Loaded with Essential Oils

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.8208112620016

• Palavras-chave: ........

• Keywords: Polymeric nanoparticles; Essential oils; Encapsulation efficiency; Terpene hydrophobicity; Cytocompatibility; PCL

• Abstract: Essential oils present promising biological activities; however, their volatility, instability, and low aqueous solubility limit direct application in health-related formulations. This study aimed to develop and characterize poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/Pluronic F-68 (PF68) nanoparticles loaded with different essential oils (10% w/w) and to investigate the influence of terpene molecular characteristics on encapsulation efficiency and cytocompatibility. Nanoparticles were prepared by the nanoprecipitation method and evaluated by dynamic light scattering, zeta potential analysis, encapsulation efficiency determination, and in vitro cytotoxicity using L929 fibroblasts after 24 h exposure. All formulations exhibited nanometric diameters (approximately 205–213 nm), low polydispersity indices (0.11–0.13), and moderately negative zeta potentials (≈ −14 mV), indicating homogeneous and colloidally stable systems. Encapsulation efficiency ranged from 71% to 87% and was strongly influenced by terpene composition. Oils rich in highly hydrophobic monoterpene hydrocarbons, such as limonene, showed higher retention compared to formulations containing oxygenated or phenolic terpenes. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated that all 10% formulations maintained cell viability above 79%, satisfying ISO 10993-5 criteria for non-cytotoxic materials. The results demonstrate that terpene hydrophobicity plays a central role in nanoparticle loading performance and that PCL/PF68 nanosystems represent a promising platform for essential oil stabilization in health-related applications.