Development and Evaluation of Cucurbitacin B Microemulsion: the Effect of Oil Phase and Aqueous Phase on Drug Percutaneous Absorption Based on ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy and Molecular Modeling

Recent advances in delivery of transdermal nutrients: A review

Nutrients provide vital functions in the body for sustained health, which have been shown to be related to the incidence, prevention and treatment of disease. However, limited bioavailability, loss of targeting specificity and the increased hepatic metabolism limit the utilization of nutrients. In this review, we highlight transdermal absorption of nutrients, which represents an opportunity to allow great use of many nutrients with promising human health benefits. Moreover, we describe how the various types of permeation enhancers are increasingly exploited for transdermal nutrient delivery. Chemical penetration enhancers, carrier systems and physical techniques for transdermal nutrient delivery are described, with a focus on combinatorial approaches. Although there are many carrier systems and physical techniques currently in development, with some tools currently in advanced clinical trials, relatively few products have achieved full translation to clinical practice. Challenges and further developments of these tools are discussed here in this review. This review will be useful to researchers interested in transdermal applications of permeation enhancers for the efficient delivery of nutrients, providing a reference for supporting the need to take more account of specific nutritional needs in specific states.

Fluocinolone Acetonide Microemulsion in Combination with a Fractional Laser for the Treatment of Scalp Psoriasis

This study introduces fluocinolone acetonide (FA) microemulsion in combination with ablative fractional lasering as a new effective treatment for scalp psoriasis. A pseudo-ternary phase diagram was constructed using the aqueous titration method. The suitable ratio of surfactant mixture (S_mix):oil mixture (O_mix):water was chosen from the microemulsion region of the diagram. FA was loaded into the selected ratio to prepare FA microemulsion. Ex vivo skin permeation study of the FA microemulsion with fractional laser assistance was performed to determine a proper ablative depth. A pilot clinical study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of FA microemulsion and FA microemulsion combination with lasering at the optimum ablation depth. The selected microemulsion base contained (in wt%) 77% water, 20% S_mix (Tween 80:ethanol, 2:1), 3% O_mix (10% benzyl benzoate and 1% benzyl alcohol in bergamot oil), and 0.2% sodium carboxymethylcellulose. FA was loaded into this base at a concentration of 0.1%. The skin lasered at an ablation depth of 50 µm was conducted in the pilot clinical study. Scalp psoriasis responded well to the FA microemulsion. Psoriasis scalp severity index (PSSI) scores indicated that the FA microemulsion plus laser treatment provides higher efficacy than the FA microemulsion alone without any topical and systemic side effects. The efficacy of the treatments could be maintained for at least 1 week after treatment discontinuation. FA microemulsion was properly formulated and evaluated. The microemulsion demonstrating the greatest benefits was used in combination with ablative fractional lasering to treat scalp psoriasis.

Crotamiton-loaded tea tree oil containing phospholipid-based microemulsion hydrogel for scabies treatment: in vitro, in vivo evaluation, and dermatokinetic studies

Crotamiton (CRT) is a commonly approved drug prescribed for the scabies treatment in many countries across the globe. However, poor aqueous solubility and low bioavailability, and side effects restrict its use. To avoid such issues, an appropriate carrier system is necessary which can address the aforementioned challenges for attaining enhanced biopharmaceutical attributes. The current study intends to provide a detailed account on the development and evaluation of CRT-loaded microemulsion (ME) hydrogel formulation containing tea tree oil (TTO) for improved drug delivery for scabies treatment in a safe and effective manner. Pseudo-ternary phase diagrams were constructed with TTO as the oily phase, and Cremophor^®EL was used as the surfactant in a mass ratio 2:1 with co-surfactants (mixture of phospholipid 90G and Transcutol^®P), and aqueous solution as the external phase. The optimized drug-loaded ME formulation was evaluated for skin penetration, retention, compliance, and dermatokinetics. The nonirritant behavior of the formulation was revealed by skin histopathology, which showed no changes in normal skin histology. In comparison to the conventional product, dermatokinetic experiments revealed that CRT has greater penetration and distribution in the epidermis of the mice skin. The findings imply that the proposed lipid-based ME hydrogel can aid in the resolution of CRT issues by providing a better and safer delivery option to epidermis and deeper epidermis in substantial quantities.