Coenzyme Q10 and retinaldehyde co-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers for efficacy evaluation in wrinkles

<p>This study depicts coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and retinaldehyde (RAL) co-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs); having activity on different targets of photoageing, which can overcome deficits of conventional topical dosage forms. The developed NLCs were characterised for particle size, polydispersity index and percent entrapment efficiency (î), followed by their incorporation into Carbopol^® 934 P-NF gel. <i>In vitro</i> cellular uptake and cytotoxicity assay was performed to evaluate NLCs and <i>in vivo</i> study on ultraviolet- (UV) induced wrinkle model to determine efficacy of NLCs. The developed stable, homogenous and spherical NLCs with size range of 200–230 nm and more than 80 î, showed prolonged, biphasic <i>in vitro</i> release pattern for CoQ10 and RAL. <i>Ex vivo</i> study portrayed negligible permeation through skin but appreciable penetration and distribution in skin layers. This has shown good uptake of both drugs with least cytotoxicity in cell culture studies. <i>In vivo</i> irritation study on Sprague Dawley (SD) rats and pharmacodynamic study on female Swiss albino mice proved it less irritant and efficacious. The developed NLCs thus hold promise in the efficient management of wrinkle and their reduction as indicated by the data obtained.</p

Solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carrier-based nanotherapeutics in treatment of psoriasis: a comparative study

<p><b>Background</b>: The present work focuses on the development of ultra-small solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) encapsulating cyclosporine and calcipotriol, further incorporated into gel, increasing their penetration through the skin.</p> <p><b>Research design and methods</b>: Developed SLN and NLC were characterized regarding particle size, zeta potential, %entrapment efficiency and dispersed into carbopol 934P-NF gel. Gel was further characterized for rheological behavior and spreadability. <i>Ex vivo</i> dermatokinetic by tape stripping method, <i>in vitro</i> efficacy on HaCaT cell lines and <i>in vivo</i> efficacy on imiquimod induced psoriatic model in mice were evaluated.</p> <p><b>Results</b>: Ultra-small (size<100 nm) particles were formed with high entrapment efficiency and spherical morphology. <i>Ex vivo</i> dermatokinetic studies revealed deeper and confined drug penetration of lipid formulation gel in epidermal layers as compared to free drug. <i>In vitro</i> study on HaCaT cell lines depicted higher uptake and high efficacy owing to decrease in cell viability for NLC. The anti-psoriatic efficacy in BALB/c mice (evaluated on basis of cytokine levels and skin morphology) highlighted potential of drug-loaded NLC significantly higher as compared to drug loaded SLN and marketed formulation Betagel.</p> <p><b>Conclusions</b>: The study demonstrated that NLC gel had higher efficacy in psoriatic management and hold promise for further exploration.</p