Effect of propylene glycol on ibuprofen absorption into human skin in vivo

Transdermal behaviour of the N-alkylamide spilanthol (affinin) from Spilanthes acmella (Compositae) extracts

AIM OF THE STUDY

N-Alkylamides are a large group of bioactive molecules found in several plants from the genera Echinacea, Xanthoxylum and Spilanthes. Extracts and formulations derived from these plants are not only orally used, but also applied on the skin as well. However, there is currently no specific information available about the intrinsic local pharmacokinetics of N-alkylamides after topical application on human skin, questioning the role of this mode of administration. The present study investigates the transdermal behaviour of spilanthol, a prominent N-alkylamide.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two pharmaceutically accepted dose solutions (ethanol and propylene glycol based aqueous donor vehicles), combined with three different receptor fluids (PBS, PBS+0.5% HPbetaCD, EtOH/H(2)O (30:70, v/v)), were applied on split-thickness human skin in a Franz diffusion cell (FDC) system. Fundamental permeation characteristics of spilanthol in a solvent-independent way (100% aqueous dose solution) were also obtained using an extrapolation approach with different organic solvent/H(2)O ratios.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated for the first time that spilanthol permeates the skin. The following aqueous-extrapolated primary transdermal parameters were obtained (mean+/-SEM): K(p,aq)=3.31 (+/-0.29)x10(-3)cm/h, D(m,aq)=1.86 (+/-0.09)x10(-4)cm(2)/h and K(m,aq)=7.28 (+/-1.59)x10(-1). Partitioning (K(m)) was strongly dependent on the donor solution composition, while diffusion (D(m)) was mainly influenced by the receptor fluid composition.

Preparation and in vitro evaluation of topical formulations based on polystyrene-poly-2-hydroxyl methacrylate nanoparticles

The skin disposition of topically applied nanoparticles with varying degrees of hydrophobicity, composed of different proportions of polystyrene (PS) and poly-(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (HEMA), and of an associated, model "active" (Nile Red), was investigated. PS-HEMA copolymer nanoparticles were fluorescently labeled, via the covalent incorporation of a small quantity of fluorescein methacrylate, and characterized by dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy and NMR. The fluorophore, Nile Red, was dispersed into the nanoparticles and its loading was determined by ultracentrifugation. Skin uptake was assessed in vitro following a 6 h application of the nanoparticle formulation, via stratum corneum (SC) tape-stripping and confocal microscopy. Nanoparticle diameters were below 100 nm. Progressive introduction of HEMA decreased particle hydrophobicity and reduced Nile Red loading. Uptake of Nile Red into the skin, as assessed both by the amounts extracted from the SC and by confocal microscopy, decreased as the percentage HEMA increased. Confocal microscopy confirmed that nanoparticles could not move beyond the superficial SC, but did show affinity for hair follicle openings. In conclusion, the loading of a lipophilic "active" into nanoparticles, and its subsequent release when these formulations are applied topically, are sensitive to the composition and relative hydrophobicity of the carrier.

Pharmacodynamics and dermatopharmacokinetics of betamethasone 17-valerate: assessment of topical bioavailability

BACKGROUND

The bioavailability of most topically delivered drugs is difficult to quantify, but is generally believed to be very low. With the exception of the vasoconstrictor assay for corticosteroids, no methodology to quantify the rate and extent of drug delivery to the skin has been validated. Recent research has examined the dermatopharmacokinetic (DPK) technique, which is based on stratum corneum (SC) tape-stripping.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the in vivo bioavailability of different topical formulations of betamethasone 17-valerate (BMV) using the vasoconstrictor assay and the DPK method.

METHODS

BMV was formulated in different vehicles and the drug concentration was adjusted to either (i) equal thermodynamic activity, or (ii) a range of values up to that corresponding to 80% of maximum thermodynamic activity. Vasoconstriction, an accepted and widely used method to determine bioavailability and bioequivalence of topical steroids, was quantified with a chromameter over 24 h post-removal of the formulation. Drug uptake into the SC was assessed by tape-stripping.

RESULTS

BMV at the same thermodynamic activity in different vehicles provoked similar skin blanching responses, while DPK profiles distinguished between the formulations. Further, skin blanching responses and drug uptake into the SC clearly depended upon the absolute BMV concentration applied. However, while the saturable nature of the pharmacodynamic response was clear, the tape-stripping method distinguished unequivocally between the different formulations and different concentrations.

CONCLUSIONS

The DPK approach offers a reliable metric with which to quantify transfer of drug from the vehicle to the SC, and may be useful for topical bioavailability and bioequivalence determinations.