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

Abstract

<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