Kang JH, Chon J, Kim YI, Lee HJ, Oh DW, Lee HG, Han CS, Kim DW, Park CW. Preparation and evaluation of tacrolimus-loaded thermosensitive solid lipid nanoparticles for improved dermal distribution.
Int J Nanomedicine 2019;
14:5381-5396. [PMID:
31409994 PMCID:
PMC6645695 DOI:
10.2147/ijn.s215153]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Tacrolimus (TCR), also known as FK-506, is a biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS) class II drug that is insoluble in water because of its high log P values. After dermal application, TCR remains in the stratum corneum and passes through the skin layers with difficulty.
Purpose: The objectives of this study were to develop and evaluate solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) with thermosensitive properties to improve penetration and retention.
Methods: We prepared TCR-loaded thermosensitive solid lipid nanoparticles (TCR-SLNs) with different types of surfactants on the shell of the particle, which conferred the advantages of enhancing skin permeation and distribution. We also characterized them from a physic point of view and performed in vitro and in vivo evaluations.
Results: The TCR contained in the prepared TCR-SLN was in an amorphous state and entrapped in the particles with a high loading efficiency. The assessment of ex vivo skin penetration using excised rat dorsal skin showed that the TCR-SLNs penetrated to a deeper layer than the reference product (0.1% Protopic®). In addition, the in vivo skin penetration test demonstrated that TCR-SLNs delivered more drug into deeper skin layers than the reference product. FT-IR images also confirmed drug distribution of TCR-SLNs into deeper layers of the skin.
Conclusion: These results revealed the potential application of thermosensitive SLNs for the delivery of difficult-to-permeate, poorly water-soluble drugs into deep skin layers.
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