The main objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of quercetin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (QT-NLCs) as a topical delivery system. QT-NLCs were prepared by the method of emulsion evaporation-solidification at low temperature. The average entrapment efficiency and drug loading of the optimized QT-NLCs were 89.95 ± 0.16% and 3.05 ± 0.01%, respectively. Under the transmission electron microscope, the nanoparticles were spherically shaped. The average particle size was 215.2 nm, the zeta potential was -20.10 ± 1.22 mV and pH value of QT-NLCs system was 4.65. Topical delivery of QT in the form of NLCs was investigated in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that QT-NLCs could promote the permeation of QT, increase the amount of QT retention in epidermis and dermis, and enhance the effect of anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation exerted by QT. Then the mechanism of NLCs for facilitating drug penetration was further investigated through histological sections. In conclusion, NLCs could be a promising vehicle for topical delivery of QT.
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