The aim of this study was to develop, optimize and evaluate the potential of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) as a topical delivery system for targeted and prolonged release of Fluocinolone acetonide (FA). FA loaded SLNs were successfully developed by an emulsification-ultrasonication method and optimized using 17-run, 3-factor, 3-level Box-Behnken design of Design Expert software. SLNs were evaluated for particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, drug encapsulation efficiency and drug loading. Shape and surface morphology of the SLNs confirmed spherical shape of nanoparticles when investigated under a transmission electron microscope. Complete encapsulation of drug in the nanoparticles was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. The drug release study confirmed prolonged release from the SLNs following Higuchi release kinetics with R(2) value of 0.995 where as pure drug suspension exhibited faster drug release following zero order release kinetics with R(2) value of 0.992. Stability study confirmed that SLNs were stable for 3 months at 4 °C. Furthermore, in vitro skin distribution studies showed presence of significant amount of FA on the epidermal layer of skin when treated with FA loaded SLNs suspension while plain FA suspension showed minimum amount of FA in the epidermis and dermis. Moreover, selective accumulation of FA in the epidermis might eliminate adverse side effects associated with systemic exposure. Results demonstrated that FA loaded SLNs could be a promising modality for psoriasis treatment but to establish clinical utility of the present system further studies are required in clinically relevant models.
Keywords: Box–Behnken design; Fluocinolone acetonide; Psoriasis; Solid lipid nanoparticles; Topical delivery.
Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.