title: Development and evaluation of a novel topical treatment for acne with azelaic acid-loaded nanoparticles.
abstract: Azelaic acid (AzA) is used in the treatment of acne. However, side effects and low compliance have been associated with several topical treatments with AzA. Nanotechnology presents a strategy that can overcome these problems. Polymeric nanoparticles can control drug release and targeting and reduce local drug toxicity. The aim of this study was to produce and evaluate an innovative topical treatment for acne with AzA-loaded poly-DL-lactide/glycolide copolymer nanoparticles. A soft white powder of nanoparticles was prepared. The mean size of loaded nanoparticles was < 400 nm and zeta potential was negative. Spherical nanoparticles were observed by scanning electron microscopy. Encapsulation efficiency was around 80% and a strong interaction between the polymer and the drug was confirmed by differential scanning calorimetric analysis. In vitro drug release studies suggested a controlled and pulsatile release profile. System efficacy tests suggested similar results between the loaded nanoparticles and the nonencapsulated drug against the most common bacteria associated with acne. Cytotoxicity of AzA-loaded nanoparticles was concentration dependent, although not pronounced. The occluded patch test seemed to indicate that the formulation excipients were safe and thus AzA-loaded nanoparticles appear to be an efficient and safe treatment for acne.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Nanoscience and Biomedical Nanotechnology (LNBN), CBIOS, Universidade Lusófona, Campo Grande 376, 1749-024 Lisboa, Portugal.
authors.forename: Catarina Pinto
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Reis
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gomes
authors.forename: Patrícia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rijo
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Candeias
authors.forename: Pedro
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pinto
authors.forename: Marina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Baptista
authors.forename: Nuno
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Martinho
authors.forename: Lia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ascensão
mesh_terms: D000152:Acne Vulgaris / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D003998:Dicarboxylic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D053769:Nanocapsules / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D003998:Dicarboxylic Acids; D053769:Nanocapsules; C010038:azelaic acid