title: Improved skin delivery of voriconazole with a nanostructured lipid carrier-based hydrogel formulation.
abstract: In order to develop topical preparations of voriconazole (VRC) for the treatment of mycotic infections of the skin, a nanostructured lipid carrier-based hydrogel (NLC-gel) formulation was developed and its physical characteristics, in vitro skin permeation, and retention profiles were examined. A VRC-loaded NLC dispersion, consisting of Precirol ATO 5, Labrafil 1944 CS, and Tween 80, was prepared by high-pressure homogenization and embedded into Carbopol 940 hydrogel. The lipid nanoparticles in the hydrogel were approximately 210 nm in size, with a spherical shape and zeta potential of -30 mV. In a skin permeation study using a Franz diffusion cell mounted with depilated mouse skin, the NLC-gel was superior to conventional cream and microemulsion-based gel formulations, showing 2.8- and 1.7-fold greater flux values, respectively. In addition, the NLC-gel led to markedly greater accumulation of VRC in deeper skin layers as compared with the reference formulations. In conclusion, the novel topical formulation reported here represents an alternative treatment for skin infections such as candidiasis, with less potential for systemic adverse effects than oral therapy.
authors.affiliation: College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University.
authors.forename: Seh Hyon
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Song
authors.forename: Kyung Min
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Jong Boo
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.forename: Sang Gon
authors.initials: SG
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Myung Joo
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Kang
authors.forename: Young Wook
authors.initials: YW
authors.lastname: Choi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry*; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate / Q000737:chemistry*; D008055:Lipids / Q000737:chemistry*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism; D012869:Skin Absorption; D065819:Voriconazole / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics
chemical_list: D000935:Antifungal Agents; D004337:Drug Carriers; D008055:Lipids; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate; D065819:Voriconazole