Development of artemether-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) formulation for topical application

作者：Nnamani Petra O^*; Hansen Steffi; Windbergs Maike; Lehr Claus Michael

来源：International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2014, 477(1-2): 208-217.

DOI：10.1016/j.ijpharm.2014.10.004

• Malaria
• Artemether
• Nanostructured lipid carrier
• Particle characterization
• Ex vivo skin permeation
• Topical formulation

NLC topical formulation as an alternative to oral and parenteral (IM) delivery of artemether (ART), a poorly water-soluble drug was designed. A Phospholipon 85G-modified Gelucire 43/01 based NLC formulation containing 75% Transcutol was chosen from DSC studies and loaded with gradient concentration of ART (100-750 mg). ART-loaded NLCs were stable (-22 to -40 mV), polydispersed (0.4-0.7) with d90 size distribution range of 247-530 nm without microparticles up to one month of storage. The encapsulation efficiency (EE%) for ART in the NLC was concentration independent as 250 mg of ART loading achieved similar to 61%. DSC confirmed molecular dispersion of ART due to low matrix crystallinity (0.028J/g). Ex vivo study showed detectable ART amounts after 20 h which gradually increased over 48 h achieving similar to 26% cumulative amount permeated irrespective of the applied dose. This proves that ART permeates excised human epidermis, where the current formulation served as a reservoir to gradually control drug release over an extended period of time. Full thickness skin study therefore may confirm if this is a positive signal to hope for a topical delivery system of ART.

• 出版日期2014-12-30