Vesicular system: Versatile carrier for transdermal delivery of bioactives

Nano vesicular lipid carriers of angiotensin II receptor blocker: Anti-hypertensive and skin toxicity study in focus

OBJECTIVE

Nanoethosomal carriers of valsartan have been previously prepared, characterized and optimized. A gel formulation of valsartan vesicular lipid carriers was composed of Carbopol(®) (1% w/w), polyethylene glycol-400 (15% w/w) and triethanolamine (0.5% w/w). The influence of the valsartan nanoethosomal formulation developed on the blood pressure of experimental hypertensive rats, and its potential for skin irritation, are presented in this report.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The experimental rats were divided into three groups; the control group received no treatment (Group A). Group B was administered methyl prednisolone acetate (20 mg/kg/week) for two weeks (hypertensive control). Group C received methyl prednisolone acetate, followed by administration of the valsartan ethosomal formulation. The blood pressure of the rats was measured using a non-invasive rat blood pressure instrument based on the tail-cuff technique. The statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad InStat 3 software.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The treatment group showed a significant (P < 0.05) and constant fall in blood pressure, for up to 48 h. The valsartan ethosomal formulation was found to be effective, with a 34.11% reduction in blood pressure. The formulation's potential for skin irritation was assessed by the Draize irritation score test, which ruled out the possibility of any skin irritation caused by application of the formulation in rats.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that nanoethosomes are efficient carriers for transdermal delivery of valsartan, for the management of hypertension.

Development characterization and skin permeating potential of lipid based novel delivery system for topical treatment of psoriasis

The aim of this study was to develop, optimize and evaluate the potential of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) as a topical delivery system for targeted and prolonged release of Fluocinolone acetonide (FA). FA loaded SLNs were successfully developed by an emulsification-ultrasonication method and optimized using 17-run, 3-factor, 3-level Box-Behnken design of Design Expert software. SLNs were evaluated for particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, drug encapsulation efficiency and drug loading. Shape and surface morphology of the SLNs confirmed spherical shape of nanoparticles when investigated under a transmission electron microscope. Complete encapsulation of drug in the nanoparticles was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. The drug release study confirmed prolonged release from the SLNs following Higuchi release kinetics with R(2) value of 0.995 where as pure drug suspension exhibited faster drug release following zero order release kinetics with R(2) value of 0.992. Stability study confirmed that SLNs were stable for 3 months at 4 °C. Furthermore, in vitro skin distribution studies showed presence of significant amount of FA on the epidermal layer of skin when treated with FA loaded SLNs suspension while plain FA suspension showed minimum amount of FA in the epidermis and dermis. Moreover, selective accumulation of FA in the epidermis might eliminate adverse side effects associated with systemic exposure. Results demonstrated that FA loaded SLNs could be a promising modality for psoriasis treatment but to establish clinical utility of the present system further studies are required in clinically relevant models.

Influence of selected variables on fabrication of Triamcinolone acetonide loaded solid lipid nanoparticles for topical treatment of dermal disorders

Aim of the study was to develop solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) and to study the effect of various process variables in order to optimize the formulation for effective delivery. Drug loaded SLNs were successfully prepared and characterized by TEM, XRD and DSC study. Process variables like surfactant concentration, drug concentration, lipid concentration etc. showed significant effect on the particle size and entrapment efficiency. SLNs exhibited prolonged drug release following Higuchi release kinetics (R(2) = 0.9909). In vitro skin distribution study demonstrated systemic escape of drug from TA loaded SLNs which might eliminate side effects associated with systemic exposure.