Guo C, Khengar RH, Sun M, Wang Z, Fan A, Zhao Y. Acid-responsive polymeric nanocarriers for topical adapalene delivery.
Pharm Res 2014;
31:3051-9. [PMID:
24805280 DOI:
10.1007/s11095-014-1398-z]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE
The acne skin is characteristic of a relatively lower pH microenvironment compared to the healthy skin. The aim of this work was to utilize such pH discrepancy as a site-specific trigger for on-demand topical adapalene delivery.
METHODS
The anti-acne agent, adapalene, was encapsulated in acid-responsive polymer (Eudragit® EPO) nanocarriers via nanoprecipitation. The nanocarriers were characterized in terms of particle size, surface morphology, drug-carrier interaction, drug release and permeation.
RESULTS
Adapalene experienced a rapid release at pH 4.0 in contrast to that at pH 5.0 and 6.0. The permeation study using silicone membrane revealed a significant higher drug flux from the nanocarrier (6.5 ± 0.6 μg.cm(-2).h(-1)) in comparison to that (3.9 ± 0.4 μg.cm(-2).h(-1)) in the control vehicle (Transcutol®). The in vitro pig skin tape stripping study showed that at 24 h post dose-application the nanocarrier delivered the same amount of drug to the stratum corneum as the positive control vehicle did.
CONCLUSIONS
The acid-responsive nanocarriers hold promise for efficient adapalene delivery and thus improved acne therapy.
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