Development of Betamethasone Dipropionate-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Topical and Transdermal Delivery

Development of a selective COX-2 inhibitor: from synthesis to enhanced efficacy via nano-formulation

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs are widely used for managing various conditions including pain, inflammation, arthritis and many musculoskeletal disorders. NSAIDs exert their biological effects by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme, which has two main isoforms COX-1 and COX-2. The COX-2 isoform is believed to be directly related to inflammation. Based on structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies of known selective COX-2 inhibitors, our aim is to design and synthesize a novel series of 2-benzamido-N-(4-substituted phenyl)thiophene-3-carboxamide derivatives. These derivatives are intended to be selective COX-2 inhibitors through structural modification of diclofenac and celecoxib. The compound 2-benzamido-5-ethyl-N-(4-fluorophenyl)thiophene-3-carboxamide VIIa demonstrated selective COX-2 inhibition with an IC50 value of 0.29 μM and a selectivity index 67.24. This is compared to celecoxib, which has an IC50 value of 0.42 μM and a selectivity index 33.8. Molecular docking studies for compound VIIa displayed high binding affinity toward COX-2. Additionally, the suppression of protein denaturation with respect to albumin was performed as an indicative measure of the potential anti-inflammatory efficacy of the novel compounds. Compound VIIa showed potent anti-inflammatory activity with 93% inhibition and an IC50 value 0.54 μM. In comparison, celecoxib achieved 94% inhibition with an IC50 value 0.89 μM. Although molecule VIIa demonstrated significant in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, adhered to Lipinski's "five rules" (RO5) and exhibited promising drug-like properties, it showed indications of poor in vivo activity. This limitation is likely due to poor aqueous solubility, which impacts its bioavailability. This issue could be addressed by incorporating the drug in niosomal nanocarrier. Niosomes were prepared using the thin-film hydration technique. These niosomes exhibited a particle size of less than 200 nm, high entrapment efficiency, and an appropriate drug loading percentage. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) studies revealed that the niosomes were spherical and demonstrated compatibility of all of its components. The drug release study indicated that the pure drug had limited practicality for in vivo use. However, incorporating the drug into niosomes significantly improved its release profile, making it more suitable for practical use.

Quality-by-Design-Driven Nanostructured Lipid Scaffold of Apixaban: Optimization, Characterization, and Pharmacokinetic Evaluation

Apixaban, an anticoagulant, is limited in its efficacy due to poor solubility, low bioavailability, and extensive metabolism. This study investigates the application of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) to enhance the bioavailability of Apixaban. NLCs were prepared using the high-pressure homogenization method. The influence of independent variables, viz., the amount of Tween 80, HPH pressure, and the number of HPH cycles, were studied using a 23 factorial design. The average particle size, PDI, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency of the optimized NLCs were found to be 232 ± 23 nm, with 0.514 ± 0.13 PDI and zeta potential of about -21.9 ± 2.1 mV, respectively. Additionally, concerning the thermal and crystallographic properties of the drug, the NLCs showed drug entrapment without altering its potency. The in-vitro drug release studies revealed an immediate release pattern, followed by sustained release for up to 48 h. In-vivo pharmacokinetic experiments demonstrated that Apixaban-loaded NLCs exhibited higher values of t1/2 (27.76 ± 1.18 h), AUC0-∞ (19,568.7 ± 1067.6 ng·h/mL), and Cmax (585.3 ± 87.6 ng/mL) compared to free drugs, indicating improved bioavailability. Moreover, a decrease in the elimination rate constant (Kel) reflected the sustained effect of Apixaban with NLCs. NLCs offer improved oral absorption rates and enhanced therapeutic impact compared to free drugs, potentially reducing dose frequency and improving patient outcomes.

Design, optimization, and characterization of Althaea officinalis-loaded transliposomes for the treatment of atopic dermatitis: a Box Behnken Design, in vitro, and ex vivo study

A chronic skin disorder called atopic dermatitis (AD) is brought on by the deterioration of the skin's barrier function marked by inflammation, dryness, and bacterial infection along with immunological changes. Althaea officinalis (AO), known for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties, has been explored as a potential treatment for AD. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a novel transliposomes (TL) formulation containing AO for AD treatment. Using rotary evaporation, AO-TL formulations were created and optimized employing Box Behnken Design. The optimized AO-TL formulation showed consistent characteristics: vesicle size of 145.8 nm, polydispersity index of 0.201, zeta potential of -28.22 mV, and entrapment efficiency of 86.21%. TEM imaging shows the spherical shapes of the vesicle. These findings demonstrate the formulation's stability and ability to encapsulate AO effectively. In vitro drug release studies revealed that the AO-TL formulation released 81.28% of the drug, outperforming conventional AO dispersion (56.80%). Additionally, when applied to rat skin, the TL gel demonstrated deeper penetration (30 μm) in comparison to the standard solution (5.0 μm) based on confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Ex vivo and dermatokinetics studies showed improved penetration of drug-loaded transliposomes gel in rat skin than the conventional AO gel. Overall, the optimized AO-TL formulation offers promising characteristics and performance for the topical treatment of AD. Its drug release, antioxidant activity, and deeper penetration suggest enhanced therapeutic effects. Further research and clinical trials are needed to validate its efficacy and safety in AD patients.

Challenges of current treatment and exploring the future prospects of nanoformulations for treatment of atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a predominant and deteriorating chronic inflammation of the skin, categorized by a burning sensation and eczematous lesions in diverse portions of the body. The treatment of AD is exclusively focused to limit the itching, reduce inflammation, and repair the breached barrier of the skin. Several therapeutic agents for the treatment and management of AD have been reported and are in use in clinics. However, the topical treatment of AD has been an unswerving challenge for the medical fraternity owing to the impaired skin barrier function in this chronic skin condition. To surmount the problems of conventional drug delivery systems, numerous nanotechnology-based formulations are emerging as alternative new modalities for AD. Latter enhances the bioavailability and delivery to the target disease site, improves drug permeation and therapeutic efficacy with reduced systemic and off-target side effects, and thus improves patient health and promotes compliance. This review aims to describe the various pathophysiological events involved in the occurrence of AD, current challenges in treatment, evidence of molecular markers of AD and its management, combinatorial treatment options, and the intervention of nanotechnology-based formulations for AD therapeutics.

Follicle-Targeted Delivery of Betamethasone and Minoxidil Co-Entrapped in Polymeric and Lipid Nanoparticles for Topical Alopecia Areata Treatment

Alopecia areata is managed with oral corticosteroids, which has known side effects for patients. Given that a topical application of formulations containing a corticoid and a substance controlling hair loss progression could reduce or eliminate such adverse effects and increase the patient's adherence to the treatment, this study prepares polymeric and lipidic nanoparticles (PNPs and NLCs) to co-entrap minoxidil and betamethasone and compares the follicular drug delivery provided by topical application of these nanoparticles. The prepared PNPs loaded 99.1 ± 13.0% minoxidil and 70.2 ± 12.8% betamethasone, while the NLCs entrapped 99.4 ± 0.1 minoxidil and 80.7 ± 0.1% betamethasone. PNPs and NLCs presented diameters in the same range, varying from 414 ± 10 nm to 567 ± 30 nm. The thermal analysis revealed that the production conditions favor the solubilization of the drugs in the nanoparticles, preserving their stability. In in vitro permeation studies with porcine skin, PNPs provided a 2.6-fold increase in minoxidil penetration into the follicular casts compared to the control and no remarkable difference in terms of betamethasone; in contrast, NLCs provided a significant (specifically, a tenfold) increase in minoxidil penetration into the hair follicles compared to the control, and they delivered higher concentrations of betamethasone in hair follicles than both PNPs and the control. Neither PNPs nor NLCs promoted transdermal permeation of the drugs to the receptor solution, which should favor a topical therapy. Furthermore, both nanoparticles targeted approximately 50% of minoxidil delivery to the follicular casts and NLCs targeted 74% of betamethasone delivery to the hair follicles. In conclusion, PNPs and NLCs are promising drug delivery systems for enhancing follicular targeting of drugs, but NLCs showed superior performance for lipophilic drugs.

Nanocellulose-Based Film-Forming Hydrogels for Improved Outcomes in Atopic Skin

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by impaired skin barrier function. Amongst the various dermal formulations that are being used and/or investigated for AD treatment, one of the advanced approaches is the use of hydrogels as film-forming systems that are applied directly to the skin and have the added value of providing a physical barrier, which is lacking in atopic skin. Novel film-forming hydrogels based on two different nanocrystalline celluloses (NCCs) in combination with one of two natural polymers (alginate or pectin) were developed for incorporation of betamethasone dipropionate (BDP). Initially, the low water solubility of BDP was resolved by prior dissolution in a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS). The mixture of Kolliphor^® EL/Capryol^® 90 in a ratio of 8/2 was chosen on the merit of its high BDP-saturated solubility and no BDP precipitation upon water dilution, enabling BDP to remain dissolved after incorporation into hydrogels. The solvent evaporation method was used to prepare the films, and their high water retention capacity was confirmed in vitro on artificial membranes and pig ear skin. The presented results thus confirm NCC-based film-forming hydrogels as a very promising drug delivery system for AD treatment.

QbD-Optimized, Phospholipid-Based Elastic Nanovesicles for the Effective Delivery of 6-Gingerol: A Promising Topical Option for Pain-Related Disorders

In this study, elastic nanovesicles, constructed of phospholipids optimized by Quality by Design (QbD), release 6-gingerol (6-G), a natural chemical that may alleviate osteoporosis and musculoskeletal-related pain. A 6-gingerol-loaded transfersome (6-GTF) formulation was developed using a thin film and sonication approach. 6-GTFs were optimized using BBD. Vesicle size, PDI, zeta potential, TEM, in vitro drug release, and antioxidant activity were evaluated for the 6-GTF formulation. The optimized 6-GTF formulation had a 160.42 nm vesicle size, a 0.259 PDI, and a -32.12 mV zeta potential. TEM showed sphericity. The 6-GTF formulation's in vitro drug release was 69.21%, compared to 47.71% for the pure drug suspension. The Higuchi model best described 6-G release from transfersomes, while the Korsmeyer-Peppas model supported non-Fickian diffusion. 6-GTF had more antioxidant activity than the pure 6-G suspension. The optimized transfersome formulation was converted into a gel to improve skin retention and efficacy. The optimized gel had a spreadability of 13.46 ± 4.42 g·cm/s and an extrudability of 15.19 ± 2.01 g/cm². The suspension gel had a 1.5 μg/cm²/h ex vivo skin penetration flux, while the 6-GTF gel had 2.71 μg/cm²/h. Rhodamine B-loaded TF gel reached deeper skin layers (25 μm) compared to the control solution in the CLSM study. The gel formulation's pH, drug concentration, and texture were assessed. This study developed QbD-optimized 6-gingerol-loaded transfersomes. 6-GTF gel improved skin absorption, drug release, and antioxidant activity. These results show that the 6-GTF gel formulation has the ability to treat pain-related illnesses effectively. Hence, this study offers a possible topical treatment for conditions connected to pain.

Potential of Lipid-Based Nanocarriers against Two Major Barriers to Drug Delivery-Skin and Blood-Brain Barrier

Over the past few years, pharmaceutical and biomedical areas have made the most astounding accomplishments in the field of medicine, diagnostics and drug delivery. Nanotechnology-based tools have played a major role in this. The implementation of this multifaceted nanotechnology concept encourages the advancement of innovative strategies and materials for improving patient compliance. The plausible usage of nanotechnology in drug delivery prompts an extension of lipid-based nanocarriers with a special reference to barriers such as the skin and blood-brain barrier (BBB) that have been discussed in the given manuscript. The limited permeability of these two intriguing biological barriers restricts the penetration of active moieties through the skin and brain, resulting in futile outcomes in several related ailments. Lipid-based nanocarriers provide a possible solution to this problem by facilitating the penetration of drugs across these obstacles, which leads to improvements in their effectiveness. A special emphasis in this review is placed on the composition, mechanism of penetration and recent applications of these carriers. It also includes recent research and the latest findings in the form of patents and clinical trials in this field. The presented data demonstrate the capability of these carriers as potential drug delivery systems across the skin (referred to as topical, dermal and transdermal delivery) as well as to the brain, which can be exploited further for the development of safe and efficacious products.

Silk peptide-hyaluronic acid based nanogels for the enhancement of the topical administration of curcumin

The present study focused on the development of Cur-loaded SOHA nanogels (Cur-SHNGs) to enhance the topical administration of Cur. The physiochemical properties of Cur-SHNGs were characterized. Results showed that the morphology of the Cur-SHNGs was spherical, the average size was 171.37 nm with a zeta potential of −13.23 mV. Skin permeation experiments were carried out using the diffusion cell systems. It was found that the skin retention of Cur-SHNGs was significantly improved since it showed the best retention value (0.66 ± 0.17 μg/cm²). In addition, the hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that the Cur-SHNGs improved transdermal drug delivery by altering the skin microstructure. Fluorescence imaging indicated that Cur-SHNGs could effectively deliver the drug to the deeper layers of the skin. Additionally, Cur-SHNGs showed significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity with no skin irritation. Taken together, Cur-SHNGs could be effectively used for the topical delivery of therapeutic drugs.

Coupling AFM, DSC and FT-IR towards Elucidation of Film-Forming Systems Transformation to Dermal Films: A Betamethasone Dipropionate Case Study

Polymeric film-forming systems have emerged as an esthetically acceptable option for targeted, less frequent and controlled dermal drug delivery. However, their dynamic nature (rapid evaporation of solvents leading to the formation of thin films) presents a true characterization challenge. In this study, we tested a tiered characterization approach, leading to more efficient definition of the quality target product profiles of film-forming systems. After assessing a number of physico-chemico-mechanical properties, thermal, spectroscopic and microscopic techniques were introduced. Final confirmation of betamethasone dipropionate-loaded FFS biopharmaceutical properties was sought via an in vitro skin permeation study. A number of applied characterization methods showed complementarity. The sample based on a combination of hydrophobic Eudragit^® RS PO and hydroxypropyl cellulose showed higher viscosity (47.17 ± 3.06 mPa·s) and film thickness, resulting in sustained skin permeation (permeation rate of 0.348 ± 0.157 ng/cm² h), and even the pH of the sample with Eudragit^® NE 30D, along with higher surface roughness and thermal analysis, implied its immediate delivery through the epidermal membrane. Therefore, this study revealed the utility of several methods able to refine the number of needed tests within the final product profile.

Nanostructured lipid carriers: a promising drug carrier for targeting brain tumours

Background

In recent years, the field of nanotechnology and nanomedicine has transformed the pharmaceutical industry with the development of novel drug delivery systems that overcome the shortcomings of traditional drug delivery systems. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), also known as the second-generation lipid nanocarriers, are one such efficient and targeted drug delivery system that has gained immense attention all across due to their myriad advantages and applications. Scientific advancements have revolutionized our health system, but still, brain diseases like brain tumour have remained formidable owing to poor prognosis and the challenging drug delivery to the brain tissue. In this review, we highlighted the application and potential of NLCs in brain-specific delivery of chemotherapeutic agents.

Main body

NLCs are lipid-based formulations with a solid matrix at room temperature and offer advantages like enhanced stability, low toxicity, increased shelf life, improved drug loading capacity, and biocompatibility over other conventional lipid-based nanocarriers such as nanoemulsions and solid lipid nanoparticles. This review meticulously articulates the structure, classification, components, and various methods of preparation exemplified with various research studies along with their advantages and disadvantages. The concept of drug loading and release has been discussed followed by a brief about stability and strategies to improve stability of NLCs. The review also summarizes various in vitro and in vivo research studies on NLCs encapsulated with cytotoxic drugs and their potential application in brain-specific drug delivery.

Conclusion

NLCs are employed as an important carrier for the delivery of food, cosmetics, and medicines and recently have been used in brain targeting, cancer, and gene therapy. However, in this review, the applications and importance of NLCs in targeting brain tumour have been discussed in detail stating examples of various research studies conducted in recent years. In addition, to shed light on the promising role of NLCs, the current clinical status of NLCs has also been summarized.

Graphical Abstract

Formulation and Characterization of Carbopol-934 Based Kojic Acid-Loaded Smart Nanocrystals: A Solubility Enhancement Approach

Kojic acid (KA) is a BCS class II drug having low solubility and high permeability. This study was designed to enhance the aqueous solubility of KA, as well as its dissolution rate and, in turn, bioavailability, by formulating its smart nanocrystals. Nanocrystals of pure KA were formulated by the top-down method under high-pressure homogenization followed by freeze drying. The nanocrystals were evaluated for stability and other physical characteristics, including zeta sizer analysis, DSC, surface morphology, XRD, drug content, solubility, FTIR and in vitro drug release. The KA nanocrystals were found to be stable when kept at exaggerated conditions. The particle size of the nanocrystals was 137.5 ± 1.7, 150 ± 2.8, and 110 ± 3.0 nm for the F1, F2 and F3 formulations, respectively. There was negative zeta potential for all the formulations. The dispersity index was 0.45 ± 0.2, 0.36 ± 0.4 and 0.41 ± 1.5 for the F1, F2 and F3, respectively. The DSC studies showed that there was no interaction between the KA and the excipients of the nanocrystals. The morphological studies confirmed the presence of rough crystalline surfaces on the nanosized particles. XRD studies showed the successful preparation of nanocrystals. The drug content was in the official range of 90 ± 10%. The solubility of KA was significantly (p < 0.05) enhanced in the formulations of its nanocrystals as compared with pure KA powder. The ATR-FTIR studies revealed the presence of functional groups in both KA and KA-loaded nanocrystals, and no interaction was found between them. The nanocrystals released 83.93 ± 1.22% of KA in 24 h. The study concluded that the nanocrystals were successfully formulated using the top-down method followed by high-pressure homogenization. The solubility, as well as the dissolution, of the KA was enhanced, and this could improve the therapeutic effects of KA.

Preparation, characterizations and in vitro evaluation of Econazole-Btamethasone loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs)

Tremendous increase of fungal infections in hospitalized or immune compromised patients has been reported from the last two decades. These infections are commonly treated using econazole and miconazole that have shorter half-life and produce severe side effects. All such issues can be addressed using targeted drug delivery. We developed SNLs based formulation for the treatment of mycosis. The high pressure homogenization method was employed for formulation followed by characterization, assay for antifungal activity, in vitro drug release and ex vivo permeation. The particle size of Econazole-Betamethasone-loaded SLNs, Econazole-loaded SLNs, Betamethasone-loaded SLNs and Blank SLNs were 377.4±23 nm, 298.7±9 nm, 177.7±15 nm and 113.4±6 nm respectively. The SEM images displayed that droplets are uniform and spherical in shape which ranged from 113.4±6 to 377.4±23 nm. In DSC, the SLNs formulation showed endothermic peak at 185.2 °C±0.9. Drug content of Econazole loaded SLNs was 82±0.1 and its entrapment efficiency was approximately 90.4±0.2. Betamethasone SLNs displayed highest drug content which was 83.5±0.4 while encapsulation efficiency of same formulation was 94.2±0.4. The Econazole and Betamethasone combined SLNs exhibited drug content of 80±0.3 while its encapsulation efficiency was 93.1±0.5. E-SLNs have significantly high drug release (p <  0.05) as compared to other formulation B-SLNs and EB-SLNs.The Econazole loaded formulations displayed antifungal activity with no synergistic or antagonistic effect with each other. Drug permeation from Econazole SLNs, Betamethasone SLNs and combined Econazole and Betamethasone SLNs was 45%, 40% and 38% respectively. Overall, SLN’s are an effective carrier for topical delivery of antifungals agents and that may be helpful in bypassing the serious side effects associated with oral delivery.

CONTINUOUS PRODUCTION OF RALOXIFENE HYDROCHLORIDE LOADED NANOSTRUCTURED LIPID CARRIERS USING HOT-MELT EXTRUSION TECHNOLOGY

The aim of this study was to utilize a continuous process for the production of orally administered raloxifene hydrochloride (RX-HCl) loaded nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) formulations for extended drug release using hot-melt extrusion (HME) technology coupled with probe sonication, and also to evaluate the in vitro characteristics of the prepared NLCs. Preparation of the NLCs using HME technology involved two main steps, first formation of a pre-emulsion after extrusion and then size reduction of the pre-emulsion using probe sonication to obtain the NLCs. A screw speed of 100 rpm and a barrel temperature of 85 °C, were used in the extrusion process. NLCs prepared by HME technology showed a lower particle size compared to those prepared by the conventional probe sonication method. The prepared NLCs had high entrapment efficiency values (>90 %). In vitro drug release was evaluated using dialysis bag diffusion technique and USP apparatus I. Overall, the RX-HCl loaded NLCs had a higher rate of drug release than the pure drug. The release profile for the F4-3 NLC formulations and pure drug at the beginning and end of the stability study were comparable. The particle size of the prepared NLCs remained stable over the storage period and all PDI and zeta potential values were ≤ 0.5 and in the range of -15 to -30 mV, respectively, indicating good physical stability of the formulations. In summary, HME technology and probe sonication were successfully used to prepare RX-HCl loaded NLC formulations with shorter processing times as compared to the conventional probe sonication method, which makes this technique a uniquely more industry-friendly method.

Design, Preparation, and Characterization of Effective Dermal and Transdermal Lipid Nanoparticles: A Review

Limited permeability through the stratum corneum (SC) is a major obstacle for numerous skin care products. One promising approach is to use lipid nanoparticles as they not only facilitate penetration across skin but also avoid the drawbacks of conventional skin formulations. This review focuses on solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid nanocarriers (NLCs), and nanoemulsions (NEs) developed for topical and transdermal delivery of active compounds. A special emphasis in this review is placed on composition, preparation, modifications, structure and characterization, mechanism of penetration, and recent application of these nanoparticles. The presented data demonstrate the potential of these nanoparticles for dermal and transdermal delivery.

Emerging Nanomedicines for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis

Globally, the prevalence of Atopic dermatitis (AD) is significantly increasing and affecting around 20% of population including children. Complex interactions amongst abnormality in epidermal barrier function, environment, infectious agents and immunological defects are considered as key factors in the pathogenesis of AD. Although the role of oxidative stress has been studied in some skin diseases, investigation of the same in AD is intermittent. Calcineurin inhibitors and/or topical corticosteroids are currently available; however, it causes atrophy of the skin, burning sensation, and systemic side effects which leads to poor patient compliance. These limitations provoke the strong need to develop an innovative approach in managing AD. Nanomaterials for effective drug delivery to skin conditions such as AD have attracted a lot of attention owing to its ability to encapsulate, protect, and release the cargo at the diseased skin site. However, there are lots of unmet challenges especially in terms of development of non-toxic formulations and clinical translation of established nanomedicines in the form of accessible products. Numerous formulations have emerged as carrier for poorly soluble and permeable drugs, viz., lipidic, polymeric, metal, silica, liposomes, hydrocarbon gels and this field is evolving. This review is intended to provide an insight incidences associated with pathophysiology of AD and challenges with existing treatments of AD. Focus is kept on reviewing current development and emerging nanomedicines for effective treatment of AD. The review also inculcates merits of several nanomedicines in overcoming challenges of existing products and its future implications.

Analytical tools and evaluation strategies for nanostructured lipid carrier-based topical delivery systems

INTRODUCTION

The inception of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) proved to be a revolutionary step toward the treatment of dermatological disorders. To uncover its true potential, it is imperative that the system be characterized and evaluated comprehensively.

AREAS COVERED

The present review has been written to furnish an in-depth account of analytical tools and evaluation procedures under one roof. Besides discussing the challenges of topical delivery and benefits of NLCs, the paper elaborates on their physicochemical characterization. Further, in vitro evaluation of NLCs for dermatological benefits, followed by their evaluation in a hydrogel/cream base is covered. Lastly, disease-specific evaluation of NLC-based formulations is presented.

EXPERT OPINION

The research endeavors for NLCs have largely focused on the fabrication of NLCs for different bioactives. However, scientific efforts should be aimed toward the lesser explored realm of NLCs, i.e. exploitation of analytical techniques, such as Parelectric spectroscopy, Electron Spin Resonance, and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy. NLCs have been proven for their potential to foster the therapeutic modalities applicable to cutaneous disorders. More attention needs to be devoted to their evaluation for disease-specific parameters. The futuristic steps must involve clinical studies, to lay the path for their commercialization.

Influence of formulation variables on miconazole nitrate-loaded lipid based nanocarrier for topical delivery

The purpose of this study was to develop miconazole nitrate (MN) based solid lipid nano-carrier formulae for topical delivery to enhance its antifungal effectiveness. Miconazole nitrate loaded Solid lipid nanoparticles (MN-SLNs) were formulated using a high shear homogenization technique characterized by particle size, polydispersity index (PI), trapping efficiency (EE percent), drug loading (DL percent) and zeta potential (ZP) characteristics. Furthermore, the optimized formulae were investigated for in-vitro release, ex-vivo study, skin toxicity test, and antifungal activity. With a particle size range of 244.2 ± 27.2 nm to 493.6 ± 35.3 nm, the selected MN-SLNs were spherical shaped. A high EE product percentage ranging from 79.38 ± 2.35 percent to 95.92 ± 6.12 percent and Zeta potential ZP values ranging from-21.6 ± 7.05 mV to-31.4 ± 6.84 mV suggesting strong stability was achieved. A controlled release of MN from the SLNs up to 48 h was shown in-vitro release study. The ex-vivo study showed that the selected MN-SLN (F4) mixture exhibited higher MN flux in the skin than a 1% MN solution. Moreover, selected MN-SLN (F4) has demonstrated a higher zone of inhibition against Candida albicans than a simple drug solution. MN-SLN (F4) had the lowest toxicity value for the skin. Besides, the MN-SLNs (F4) substantially reported antifungal activity with the least histopathological improvements compared to MN-solution utilizing immune-suppressing albino rats with induced candidiasis fungal infection. It can be fulfilled that SLNs can be acquired as a promising carrier for topical delivery of poorly soluble MN.

Treatment Modalities of Psoriasis: A Focus on Requisite for Topical Nanocarrier

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease involving cascading release of cytokines activated by the innate and acquired immune system. The increasing prevalence rate of psoriasis demands for more appropriate therapy. The existing chemical moiety is promising for better therapeutic outcome, but the selection of a proper channel for administration has to be reviewed. Hence there is a need to select the most appropriate dosage form and route of administration for improving the curative rate of psoriasis.

RESULTS

A total of 108 systematic reviews of research and review articles were conducted to make the manuscript comprehensible. The role of inflammatory mediators in the pathogenesis of the disease is discussed for a better understanding of the selection of pharmacotherapy. The older and newer therapeutic moiety with its mode of administration for psoriasis treatment has been discussed. With a comparative review on topical and oral administration of first-line drugs such as methotrexate (MTX), cyclosporine (CsA), and betamethasone, its benefits-liabilities in the selected routes were accounted for. Emphasis has also been paid on advanced nanocarriers for dermatologic applications.

CONCLUSION

For a better therapeutic outcome, proper selection of drug moiety with its appropriate administration is the major requisite. With the advent of nanotechnology, the development of nanocarrier for dermatologic application has been successfully demonstrated in positioning the systemically administrated drug into topical targeted delivery. In a nutshell, to achieve successful treatment strategies towards psoriasis, there is a need to focus on the development of stable, non-toxic nanocarrier for topical delivery. Inclusion of the existing orally administered drug moiety into nanocarriers for topical delivery is proposed in order to enhance therapeutics payload with reduced side effects which serves as a better treatment approach for relief of the psoriasis condition.