title: Design and in vitro evaluation of finasteride-loaded liquid crystalline nanoparticles for topical delivery.
abstract: In this study, liquid crystalline nanoparticles (LCN) have been proposed as new carrier for topical delivery of finasteride (FNS) in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. To evaluate the potential of this nanocarrier, FNS-loaded LCN was prepared by ultrasonication method and characterized for size, shape, in vitro release, and skin permeation-retention properties. The particle size ranged from 153.8 to 170.2 nm with a cubical shape and exhibited controlled release profile with less than 20% of the drug released in the first 24 h. The release profile was significantly altered with addition of different additives. Formulation with lower monoolein exhibited higher skin permeation with a flux rate of 0.061±0.005 μg cm(-2) h(-1) in 24 h. The permeation however, significantly increased with glycerol, propylene glycol, and polyethylene glycol 400, while it declined for the addition of oleic acid. A similar trend was observed with skin retention study. In conclusion, FNS-loaded LCN could be advocated as a viable alternative for oral administration of the drug.
authors.affiliation: College of Pharmacy, Yeungnam University, 214-1 Dae-dong, Gyeongsan, 712-749, South Korea.
authors.forename: Thiagarajan
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Madheswaran
authors.forename: Rengarajan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Baskaran
authors.forename: Raj Kumar
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Thapa
authors.forename: Jeong Yeon
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Rhyu
authors.forename: Hye Yoon
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.forename: Jong Oh
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Chul Soon
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Yong
authors.forename: Bong Kyu
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Yoo
mesh_terms: D058891:5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D018120:Finasteride / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008812:Mice, Hairless; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D053758:Nanoparticles; D010316:Particle Size
chemical_list: D058891:5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors; D018120:Finasteride