Preparation, characterization and keratinocytes cell viability of a β-Cyclodextrin–Myrcene complex intended for skin application

Cell viability was assessed in HaCaT cells by MTT. Results Inclusion complex presented 75.88% efficacy during process 2 and then proceeded to characterization. FTIR indicated changes in band position/intensity consistent with host–guest interactions.

Thermal analyses showed reduced water-loss events and disappearance of β-CD thermal transitions associated with crystalline rearrangement, supporting complex formation. X-ray diffraction results suggest a reduction in crystallinity with a reduction in peaks in the samples. Scanning electron microscopy data show the formation of cubic/rhomboid structures. n HaCaT cells, free myrcene maintained viability above 70% across most tested concentrations, whereas β-CD and the inclusion complex reduced apparent viability at higher concentrations, consistent with limited aqueous solubility and possible assay/physical interference at elevated loads.

Conclusions β-CD effectively entraps myrcene via inclusion complexation, confirmed by complementary solid-state and thermal analyses. Cytocompatibility results highlight the need to define concentration ranges that minimize solubility-related effects in keratinocyte assays while preserving the formulation advantages of complexation.