Development and evaluation of Nanostructured Lipid Carrier (NLC) based topical delivery of an anti-inflammatory drug

Aims

The work is aimed to formulate aqueous nanodispersion of aceclofenac Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLC) by using modified hot sonication method and to prepare NLC based gel for topical delivery of aceclofenac.

Methods

The lipids incorporated in the study were Compritol 888 ATO and Miglyol and the emulsifier/stabilizer used was Polysorbate 80. The formulations were optimized by using 3 factor, 3 levels, Box–Behenken design. The independent variables were combination of lipids (% w/w), concentration of emulsifier (% w/v), lipid drug ratio and the response variables were particle size, percentage entrapment and drug release after 12 h. The formulations were also characterized for particle size, entrapment efficiency, drug loading and depression in melting point.

Results

The DSC, FTIR analyses were performed to characterize the state of drug and lipid modification. Shape and surface morphology were determined by SEM which showed spherical shape of the formulations. Further the formulations were evaluated for in vitro drug permeability study, rheological properties, skin irritation, pharmacodynamic and stability studies.

Conclusion

The pharmacodynamic characteristics of aceclofenac NLC gel with reference to the conventional gel were compared by using Carrageenan induced rat paw edema method. The study showed the promising and stable alternative form for the aceclofenac for topical application.