Development and Characterization of a Nano-Serum from Hylocereus undatus: Phytochemical Content, Antioxidant Activities, and Nanoparticle Properties

Abstract

Antioxidant activity and formulation study of Hylocereus undatus peel extract for cosmetic application. The yield of the extract was 5.47 ± 0.31% and had a weakly acidic pH (5.21 ± 0.35). The TPC and TFC were 172.49 ± 0.06 mg GAE/g and 134.66 ± 0.11 mg QE/g, respectively, and all were significantly higher than the extraction yield (p < 0.0001). Antioxidant activity was assessed as IC₅₀ by DPPH (39.91 ± 0.5 mg/mL) and ABTS (85.95 ± 0.25 mg/mL), FRAP activity was observed to be 109.29 ± 0.22 μmol AEAC/100g. Nano formulated under ultrasonic treatment resulted in a 32% reduction in particle size (to 51.11 ± 1.83 nm) and an improved zeta potential of -9.30 ± 0.46 mV thereby improving colloidal stability and bioavailability. The optimized 0.2% w/w extract nano serum (C2) showed higher physical stability and cosmetic properties, thereby supporting its application as an advanced skincare product.