Formulation and characterization of solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers and nanoemulsion of lornoxicam for transdermal delivery

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) and nanoemulsion (NE) of lornoxicam (LRX) were prepared for the treatment of painful and inflammatory conditions of skin. Compritol® 888 ATO, Lanette® O and oleic acid were used as solid and liquid lipids. Nanoparticles and nanoemulsion were obtained in a range 141 to 295 nm diameter (D50). 185 nm and 295 nm particle sizes were obtained for SLN of LRX based on Compritol® 888 ATO and Lanette® O when NLC displayed 185 nm and 266 nm particle sizes, respectively. Droplet size of drug NE was 166 nm. They were found physically stable at various temperatures for 6 months. Case I diffusional drug release was detected as the dominant mechanism indicating Fickian drug diffusion from nanoparticles and nanoemulsion. The highest rate of drug penetration through rat skin was obtained with NE followed by NLC, SLN and a gel formulation. Nanoformulations significantly increased drug penetration through rat skin compared to the gel (p < 0.05). Thus, SLN, NLC and NE of LRX can be suggested for relieving painful and inflammatory conditions of the skin by sustained drug release