Formulation and Toxicity Evaluation of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for the Treatment of Acne

Background: Acne vulgarise is an inflammatory disease involving the pathological alteration of the sebaceous glands of the body. It is not a life-threatening disease but has a great influence on lifestyle. Topical combination therapy of vitamin A and antibacterial drugs is an effective treatment for acne.

Materials and Methods: The current work investigates the nanostructure lipid colloidal carrier system of Tretinoin and Clindamycin phosphate. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) were prepared by highspeed homogenization-sonication technique and characterized for physicochemical properties, permeation, in vivo anti-acne and toxicity (acute 2000 mg/Kg, repeat 1000 mg/kg) in Wistar rats.

Results: The prepared system was found to be stable, homogenous with more site retention of drugs having non-irritation and toxicity potential. The formulation showed a size of 283 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) 0.43 and Zeta potential (ZP) -37.9 mV with drug entrapment 92.0% and 66.15% for tretinoin and clindamycin respectively. Observed permeation was 18 % and 45% for Tretinoin and Clindamycin less than marketed formulation which is more focused on dermal retention of drug. No significant abnormalities and toxicological symptoms were observed for acute and repeat dose toxicity study for histopathology and haematological examinations of organs.

Conclusion: Prepared NLC formulation was aimed at epidermal targeting. Based on obtained results it is concluded that developed lipid-based nanocarrier system of selected drugs showed the targeting potential for effective acne treatment.