title: Design of polymeric nanoparticles and its applications as drug delivery systems for acne treatment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate a formulation made of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles containing azelaic acid for potential acne treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Azelaic acid-loaded PLGA nanoparticles were prepared by spontaneous emulsification processes using poloxamer 188 as stabilizer. Several manufacturing parameters such as stirring rate, concentration of stabilizer and different recovery methods were investigated. Nanoparticles were evaluated in terms of size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, release kinetics and permeation kinetics in vitro. Furthermore, in vitro toxicological studies were performed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae model.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results showed that by adjusting some formulation conditions it was possible to obtain nanoparticles with high loading and a controlled drug release. Freeze-dried recovery altered the nanoparticles structure by enhancing porous structures and mannitol was required to control the mean particle size. The centrifugation recovery was found to be the best approach to nanoparticles recovery. Similar toxicity profiles were observed for both drug-free and azelaic acid-loaded nanoparticles, with concentration-dependent decreases in cell viability.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results indicate a potential formulation for controlled release delivery of azelaic acid to the follicular unit.
authors.affiliation: Universidade Lusófona (CBIOS - Laboratory of Nanoscience and Biomedical Nanotechnology) , Campo Grande 376, Lisboa , Portugal .
authors.forename: Catarina Pinto
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Reis
authors.forename: Nuno
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Martinho
authors.forename: Catarina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rosado
authors.forename: Ana S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Fernandes
authors.forename: Amílcar
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Roberto
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical / Q000379:methods; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D003998:Dicarboxylic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D005079:Excipients / Q000737:chemistry; D005612:Freeze Drying; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000737:chemistry*; D008353:Mannitol / Q000737:chemistry; D053758:Nanoparticles; D010316:Particle Size; D020442:Poloxamer / Q000737:chemistry; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid / Q000737:chemistry*; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D016062:Porosity; D012441:Saccharomyces cerevisiae / Q000187:drug effects; D018675:Toxicity Tests / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D003998:Dicarboxylic Acids; D004337:Drug Carriers; D005079:Excipients; D011108:Polymers; D020442:Poloxamer; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D019344:Lactic Acid; D008353:Mannitol; C010038:azelaic acid