title: Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) as carriers for the topical delivery of econazole nitrate: in-vitro characterization, ex-vivo and in-vivo studies.
abstract: Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) designed for topical administration of econazole nitrate (ECN), were prepared by o/w high-shear homogenization method using different ratios of lipid and drug (5:1 and 10:1). SLN were characterized in terms of particle size, morphology, encapsulation efficiency and crystalline structure. After incorporation of SLN into hydrogels, rheological measurements were performed, and ex-vivo drug permeation tests were carried out using porcine stratum corneum (SC). In-vivo study of percutaneous absorption of ECN as a function of application time and composition of gels was carried out by tape-stripping technique. Penetration tests of the drug from a conventional gel were performed as comparison. High-shear homogenization method resulted in a good technique for preparation of ECN-loaded SLN. Particles had a mean diameter of about 150 nm and a regular shape and smooth surface. The encapsulation efficiency values were about 100%. Ex-vivo tests showed that SLN were able to control the drug release through the SC; the release rate depended upon the lipid content on the nanoparticles. In-vivo studies demonstrated that SLN promoted a rapid penetration of ECN through the SC after 1 h and improved the diffusion of the drug in the deeper skin layers after 3 h of application compared with the reference gel.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Scienze del Farmaco, via Muroni 23/a, 07100 Sassari, Italy.
authors.forename: Vanna
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sanna
authors.forename: Elisabetta
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gavini
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cossu
authors.forename: Giovanna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rassu
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Giunchedi
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D002152:Calorimetry, Differential Scanning; D003460:Crystallization; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D004464:Econazole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D008055:Lipids / Q000737:chemistry; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D010316:Particle Size; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D012869:Skin Absorption; D013552:Swine
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents; D004337:Drug Carriers; D020100:Hydrogels; D008055:Lipids; D004464:Econazole