Evaluation of a new solid non-aqueous self-double-emulsifying drug-delivery system for topical application of quercetin

Abstract

This study aimed to the evaluation of a new solid non-aqueous self-double-emulsifying drug-delivery system (SDEDDS) for topical application of quercetin. The new formulation was prepared through two-step emulsification process and could spontaneously form oil-in-oil-in-water (O/O/W) double emulsions after dilution with aqueous medium, with inner oil phase mainly containing the drug. Solid state characterisation was performed by DSC and X-ray powder diffraction. Furthermore, the optimised QT-SDEDDS displayed sustained release profile and was found to be stable up to 30 days under 4 °C and 25 °C. Antioxidant capacities showed that quercetin could be protected by the solid non-aqueous SDEDDS. Compared with the quercetin ethanol aqueous solution, the QT-SDEDDS exhibited higher permeation ability, and significantly increased accumulation of quercetin in the skin. These studies demonstrated that the solid non-aqueous SDEDDS might be a promising carrier for topical application of poorly water-soluble and simultaneously poorly oil-soluble drugs, such as quercetin.

Keywords:

• Quercetin
• self-double-emulsifying drug-delivery system
• non-aqueous
• solid
• topical application

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Science and Technology Achievements Transformation Projects of Jiangsu Province of China (Grant No. BA2014096).