An in vitro skin penetration model for compromised skin: estimating penetration of polyethylene glycol [¹⁴C]-PEG-7 phosphate

Formulation and dermal delivery of a new active pharmaceutical ingredient in an in vitro wound model for the treatment of chronic ulcers

The aim of this study was to investigate dermal delivery of the new active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) TOP-N53 into diabetic foot ulcer using an in vitro wound model consisting of pig ear dermis and elucidate the impact of drug formulation and wound dressing taking into consideration clinical relevance and possible bacterial infection. Different formulation approaches for the poorly water-soluble API including colloidal solubilization, drug micro-suspension and cosolvent addition were investigated; moreover, the effect of (micro-)viscosity of hydrogels on delivery was assessed. Addition of Transcutol® P as cosolvent to water improved solubility and was significantly superior to all other approaches providing a sustained three-day delivery that reached therapeutic drug levels in the tissue. Solubilization in micelles or liposomes, on the contrary, did not boost delivery while micro-suspensions exhibited sedimentation on the tissue surface. Microbial contamination was responsible for considerable metabolism of the drug leading to tissue penetration of metabolites which may be relevant for therapeutic effect. Use of hydrogels as primary wound dressing under semi-occlusive conditions significantly reduced drug delivery in a viscosity-dependent fashion. Micro-rheologic analysis of the gels using diffusive wave spectroscopy confirmed the restricted diffusion of drug particles in the gel lattice which correlated with the obtained tissue delivery results. Hence, the advantages of hydrogel dressings from the applicatory characteristic point of view must be weighed against their adverse effect on drug delivery. The employed in vitro wound model was useful for the assessment of drug delivery and the development of a drug therapy concept for chronic diabetic foot ulcer in the home care setting. Mechanistic insights about formulation and dressing performance may be applied to drug delivery in other skin conditions such as digital ulcer.

Nanocomposite Gels Loaded with Flurbiprofen: Characterization and Skin Permeability Assessment in Different Skin Species

Nanocomposite gels consist of nanoparticles dispersed in a gel matrix. The main aim of this work was to develop nanocomposite gels for topical delivery of Flurbiprofen (FB) for humans and farm animals. Nanocomposite gels were prepared stemming from nanoparticles (NPs) freeze-dried with two different cryoprotectants, D-(+)-trehalose (NPs-TRE) and polyethylene glycol 3350 (NPs-PEG), sterilized by gamma (γ) irradiation, and gelled with Sepigel® 305. Nanocomposite gels with FB-NPs-TRE and FB-NPs-PEG were physiochemically characterized in terms of appearance, pH, morphological studies, porosity, swelling, degradation, extensibility, and rheological behavior. The drug release profile and kinetics were assessed, as well as, the ex vivo permeation of FB was assessed in human, porcine and bovine skin. In vivo studies in healthy human volunteers were tested without FB to assess the tolerance of the gels with nanoparticles. Physicochemical studies demonstrated the suitability of the gel formulations. The ex vivo skin permeation capacity of FB-NPs nanocomposite gels with different cryoprotectants allowed us to conclude that these formulations are suitable topical delivery systems for human and veterinary medicine. However, there were statistically significant differences in the permeation of each formulation depending on the skin. Results suggested that FB-NPs-PEG nanocomposite gel was most suitable for human and porcine skin, and the FB-NPs-TRE nanocomposite gel was most suitable for bovine skin.

Skin barrier function for regulatory skin absorption tests and effects on testosterone and sucrose absorption

In vitro absorption through human skin is a critical component in the safety assessment of chemicals, crop protection products, consumer healthcare products and cosmetics. A barrier integrity assay is used to identify skin samples which are potentially damaged. A retrospective analysis of 9978 electrical resistance (ER) measurements generated in a single laboratory (DTL) over a 15-year period was performed. Skin absorption experiments were performed using two model penetrants, testosterone and sucrose, utilising no ER acceptance criteria, and the results assessed. Using a barrier integrity test, to remove potentially damaged samples, was offset against one that can be used to remove intact skin samples with a poorer barrier function (i.e. false positives). The previously identified barrier integrity limit (10 kΩ for a 2.54 cm2 diffusion cell; Davies et al., 2004) was demonstrated to identify half of all samples tested, many of which would be false positive samples. This retrospective analysis identified 5.0 kΩ (17.5th percentile) as an acceptance criterion for a 2.54 cm2 diffusion cell, whilst not considerably changing results generated in skin absorption studies. This was confirmed from the cumulative absorption of the model penetrants tested. Using this limit would, therefore, provide suitable skin samples for regulatory skin absorption studies.

Hydrogel of Thyme-Oil-PLGA Nanoparticles Designed for Skin Inflammation Treatment

Thyme oil (THO) possesses excellent antibacterial and antioxidant properties which are suitable for skin inflammatory disorders such as acne vulgaris. However, THO is insoluble in water and its components are highly volatile. Therefore, these drawbacks may be overcome by its encapsulation in biodegradable PLGA nanoparticles (THO-NPs) that had been functionalized using several strategies. Moreover, cell viability was studied in HaCat cells, confirming their safety. In order to assess therapeutic efficacy against acne, bacterial reduction capacity and antioxidant properties were assessed. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory and wound-healing abilities of THO-NPs were also confirmed. Additionally, ex vivo antioxidant assessment was carried out using pig skin, demonstrating the suitable antioxidant properties of THO-NPs. Moreover, THO and THO-NPs were dispersed in a gelling system, and stability, rheological properties, and extensibility were assessed. Finally, the biomechanical properties of THO-hydrogel and THO-NP-hydrogel were studied in human volunteers, confirming the suitable activity for the treatment of acne. As a conclusion, THO has been encapsulated into PLGA NPs, and in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo assessments had been carried out, demonstrating excellent properties for the treatment of inflammatory skin disorders.

Gel Formulations with an Echinocandin for Cutaneous Candidiasis: The Influence of Azone and Transcutol on Biopharmaceutical Features

Caspofungin is a drug that is used for fungal infections that are difficult to treat, including invasive aspergillosis and candidemia, as well as other forms of invasive candidiasis. The aim of this study was to incorporate Azone in a caspofungin gel (CPF-AZ-gel) and compare it with a promoter-free caspofungin gel (CPF-gel). An in vitro release study using a polytetrafluoroethylene membrane and ex vivo permeation into human skin was adopted. The tolerability properties were confirmed by histological analysis, and an evaluation of the biomechanical properties of the skin was undertaken. Antimicrobial efficacy was determined against Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida tropicalis. CPF-AZ-gel and CPF-gel, which had a homogeneous appearance, pseudoplastic behavior, and high spreadability, were obtained. The biopharmaceutical studies confirmed that caspofungin was released following a one-phase exponential association model and the CPF-AZ gel showed a higher release. The CPF-AZ gel showed higher retention of caspofungin in the skin while limiting the diffusion of the drug to the receptor fluid. Both formulations were well-tolerated in the histological sections, as well as after their topical application in the skin. These formulations inhibited the growth of C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis, while C. albicans showed resistance. In summary, dermal treatment with caspofungin could be used as a promising therapy for cutaneous candidiasis in patients that are refractory or intolerant to conventional antifungal agents.

ZIF-8 integrated with polydopamine coating as a novel nano-platform for skin-specific drug delivery

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are highly promising as a novel class of drug delivery carriers; however, there are few reports about their application in nanoparticle-based formulations for dermal administration. In this work, we developed a novel kind of nanoparticular system based on zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) and polydopamine (PDA) modification for improving the dermal delivery of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). The structures and properties of the prepared nanoparticles were characterized using a variety of analytical methods. Their ex vivo delivery performance in the skin was investigated using Franz cells, and the underlying mechanisms were studied via confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) experiments which were employed to probe the penetration pathway and the interaction between nanoparticles and the skin. The results revealed that both 5-FU@ZIF-8 and ZIF-8@5-FU@PDA had an enhancement effect on the deposition of 5-FU in the skin, and the surface coating of PDA could further reduce drug permeation across the skin, especially in the case of impaired skin, in comparison with the drug solution. The CLSM study using rhodamine 6G as the fluorescent probe to mimic 5-FU indicated that ZIF-8 and ZIF-8@PDA could deliver their payloads into the skin via two pathways, i.e., intercellular and follicular ones, and the follicular route was shown to be particularly important for ZIF-8@PDA, in which the drug and carrier were co-delivered into the skin as an intact particle. This study provides evidence for using ZIF-8 and PDA modification for skin-specific drug delivery and offers an effective avenue to develop novel nanoplatforms for dermal application to treat skin diseases.

[Follicular penetration of nanocarriers is an important penetration pathway for topically applied drugs]

BACKGROUND

The hair follicle represents a significant penetration route for topically applied substances.

ISSUE

The percutaneous absorption of substances can be significantly increased and accelerated by the involvement of hair follicles. In addition, nanoparticles have the characteristic to penetrate deeply and effectively into the hair follicles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An optimization of drug delivery for topically applied substances is possible if the nanoparticles act solely as a carrier to transport active ingredients into the hair follicle. Once the nanocarrier has penetrated into the hair follicle, the active substance must be released there. This can be triggered by various mechanisms.

RESULTS

The released drug can thus pass into the living tissue surrounding the hair follicle independently. With the help of this innovative strategy, the bioavailability of topically applied substances can be significantly improved.

CONCLUSION

The transport of active ingredients into the hair follicles with the help of particles and the release of active substances there is a very effective new method for transporting active substances through the skin barrier.

Subtle and unexpected role of PEG in tuning the penetration mechanisms of PLA-based nano-formulations into intact and impaired skin

We present a systematic study of the role of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) content in NPs on drug skin absorption. Cholecalciferol-loaded NPs of 100 nm of diameter were prepared by flash nanoprecipitation from PLA-b-PEG copolymers of various PEG lengths. As PEG content increased in the polymer, we observed a transition from a frozen solid particle structure to a more dynamic particle structure. Skin absorption studies showed that polymer composition influenced drug penetration depending on skin condition (intact or impaired). In intact skin, highly PEGylated NPs achieved the best skin absorption, even if the penetration differences between the NPs were low. In impaired skin, on the contrary, non-PEGylated NPs (PLA NPs) promoted a strong drug deposition. Further investigations revealed that the strong drug accumulation from PLA NPs in impaired skin was mediated by aggregation and sedimentation of NPs due to the release of charged species from the skin. In contrast, the dynamic structure of highly PEGylated NPs promoted wetting of the surface and interactions with skin lipids, improving drug absorption in intact skin. Since NPs structure and surface properties determine the drug penetration mechanisms at the NP-skin interface, this work highlights the importance of properly tuning NPs composition according to skin physiopathology.

Safety Evaluation of Absorbent Hygiene Pads: A Review on Assessment Framework and Test Methods

Disposable absorbent hygiene products have evolved for superior performance, enhancing the convenience of daily lives. However, the use of disposable hygiene pads has brought safety concerns on chemical exposure, and significant efforts have been made to assess the potential risks associated with use of hygiene pads. This article intends to overview the safety assessment framework of diapers and feminine pads, which includes hazard identification, hazard characterization, exposure assessment, risk characterization, and post-market risk management. Risk assessment of various constituents are reviewed for quantification methods and conservative estimation of exposure parameters. By reviewing the up-to-date considerations in risk assessment, we aim to provide insightful discussion on safety evaluation of current versions of disposable absorbent products. More clinical testing and post-market surveillance are needed for continuous monitoring of potential health impacts of advanced products and constituents.

Effect of surface chemistry of polymeric nanoparticles on cutaneous penetration of cholecalciferol

We investigated the influence of nanoparticle (NP) surface composition on different aspects of skin delivery of a lipophilic drug: chemical stability, release and skin penetration. Cholecalciferol was chosen as a labile model drug. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)-based NPs without surface coating, with a non-ionic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) coating, or with a zwitterionic poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC) coating were prepared using flash nanoprecipitation. Process was optimized to obtain similar hydrodynamic diameters. Polymeric NPs were compared to non-polymeric cholecalciferol formulations. Cholecalciferol stability in aqueous medium was improved by polymeric encapsulation with a valuable effect of a hydrophilic coating. However, the in vitro release of the drug was found independent of the presence of any polymer, as for the drug penetration in an intact skin model. Such tendency was not observed in impaired skin since, when stratum corneum was removed, we found that a neutral hydrophilic coating around NPs reduced drug penetration compared to pure drug NPs and bare PLA NPs. The nature of the hydrophilic block (PEG or PMPC) had however no impact. We hypothesized that NPs surface influenced drug penetration in impaired skin due to different electrostatic interactions between NPs and charged skin components of viable skin layers.

Measuring transdermal glucose levels in neonates by passive diffusion: an in vitro porcine skin model

Current glucose monitoring techniques for neonates rely heavily on blood glucose monitors which require intermittent blood collection through skin-penetrating pricks on the heel or fingers. This procedure is painful and often not clinically conducive, which presents a need for a noninvasive method for monitoring glucose in neonates. Our motivation for this study was to develop an in vitro method for measuring passive diffusion of glucose in premature neonatal skin using a porcine skin model. Such a model will allow us to initially test new devices for noninvasive glucose monitoring without having to do in vivo testing of newborns. The in vitro model is demonstrated by comparing uncompromised and tape-stripped skin in an in-line flow-through diffusion apparatus with glucose concentrations that mimic the hypo-, normo-, and hyper-glycemic conditions in the neonate (2.0, 5.0, and 20 mM, respectively). Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) of the tape-stripped skin was approximately 20 g m^-2 h^-1, which closely mimics TEWL for neonatal skin at about 190 days post-conceptional age. The tape-stripped skin showed a >15-fold increase in glucose diffusion compared to the uncompromised skin. The very small concentrations of collected glucose were measured with a highly selective and highly sensitive fluorescent glucose biosensor based on the glucose binding protein (GBP). The demonstrated method of glucose determination is noninvasive and painless, which makes it especially desirable for glucose testing in neonates and children. This study is an important step towards an in vitro model for noninvasive real-time glucose monitoring that may be easily transferred to the clinic for glucose monitoring in neonates. Graphical Abstract Glucose diffusion through model skin was measured using an in-line flow-through diffusion apparatus with glucose solutions mimicking hypo-, normo- and hyperglycemia in the neonate. Phosphate buffered saline was added to the top chamber and the glucose that diffused through the model skin into the buffer was measured using a fluorescent glucose binding protein biosensor.