Formulation development of nanostructured lipid carrier-based nanogels encapsulating tacrolimus for sustained therapy of psoriasis

• Published in: International journal of pharmaceutics 2024-07, Vol.660, p.124172, Article 124172
• Main Authors: Kakade, Pratik, Patravale, Vandana, Patil, Ajit, Disouza, John
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Nanogel; Nanostructured lipid carrier; Psoriasis; Tacrolimus; Topical
• ISSN: 0378-5173; 1873-3476; 1873-3476
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124172

[Display omitted] •Manuscript Focus: Developed stable and scalable tacrolimus nanogel for targeted drug delivery using nanostructured lipid carriers.•Key Finding: Nanogel achieved 3X higher drug deposition, aiding psoriasis skin restoration effectively.•Notable Outcome: Nanogel exhibited cytokine regulation potential ensuring promising therapy for psoriasis management. The goal of this study was to formulate tacrolimus nanogel based on nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) in order to improve the efficacy, aesthetic, and patient compliance for the treatment of psoriasis. The microemulsion method was used to create phase diagrams and NLCs were prepared using points obtained from the microemulsion region and characterized. The gelling agent carbopol was used to develop an NLC-based nanogel. The pH, drug assay, viscosity, spreadability, and in vitro release of the nanogel, were evaluated. Ex vivo cytotoxicity of the formulation was assessed in murine fibroblast cells. Oxazolone and imiquimod models of psoriasis were used to assess the effectiveness of the nanogel. The NLCs exhibited a submicron particle size of 320 ± 10 nm, a low polydispersity index (