title: Characterization and release studies of liposomal gels containing glutathione/cyclodextrins complexes potentially useful for cutaneous administration.
abstract: The aim of this work is to develop and characterize a formulation intended for the cutaneous administration of glutathione (γ-glutamylcysteinylglycine, GSH), potentially useful for cellular defense against UV-induced damage. For this purpose, liposomes containing GSH or GSH/cyclodextrins(CDs) inclusion complexes as well as liposomes dispersed within a hydrophilic gel, were evaluated. These formulations were designed in order to obtain a system combining the advantages of liposomes as vehicles for topical drug delivery with those of CDs as penetration enhancers. The studied CDs were the natural (β-CD) and chemically modified (i.e., HP-β-CD and CH3 -β-CD) cyclodextrins. The prepared liposomes showed homogeneous size distribution, mean diameter in the range 622-1435 nm, small positive charge (+3.1 to +6.6 mV), and encapsulation efficiency of the peptide in the range 13.6%-23.7%. Release studies showed that the presence of the oligosaccharide may influence to some extent the amount of drug released, whereas stability studies clearly point out that the incorporation in a hydrophilic gel of 2-hydroxyethylcellulose insures a stable formulation maintaining unchanged the characteristics of liposomal vesicles.
authors: Department of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.
authors: Annalisa
authors: A
authors: Cutrignelli
authors: Angela
authors: A
authors: Lopedota
authors: Nunzio
authors: N
authors: Denora
authors: Valentino
authors: V
authors: Laquintana
authors: Serena
authors: S
authors: Tongiani
authors: Massimo
authors: M
authors: Franco
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D003505:Cyclodextrins / Q000737:chemistry*; D004355:Drug Stability; D005782:Gels / Q000737:chemistry*; D005978:Glutathione / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008081:Liposomes / Q000737:chemistry*; D010316:Particle Size; D047392:beta-Cyclodextrins / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D003505:Cyclodextrins; D005782:Gels; D008081:Liposomes; D047392:beta-Cyclodextrins; D005978:Glutathione
keywords: GSH; controlled release; cyclodextrins; dermal administration; gels; liposomes; stability