Isotretinoin and α-tocopherol acetate-loaded solid lipid nanoparticle topical gel for the treatment of acne

Abstract

Aims

This study was aimed to develop Isotretinoin (ITN) and α-tocopherol acetate (α-TA) loaded solid lipid nanoparticle topical gel for better skin sensitivity and potentiation of efficacy.

Methods

ITN and α-TA-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (AE-SLN) were prepared by microemulsion method with glyceryl mono-stearate as lipid and tween 80: butanol as surfactant_mix and characterised. AE-SLN gel was evaluated for physicochemical characteristics, drug release, skin irritation and anti-acne activity in rats.

Results

AE-SLNs had mean particle size of 193.4 nm (zeta-potential −29 mV) and entrapment efficiency of 84%w/w for ITN and 77.4%w/w for α-TA. AE-SLN gel showed sustained drug release for 24 h with a final cumulative release of 95.8% w/w and 89.1%w/w for ITN and α-TA. AE-SLN gel showed no erythema or edoema in rabbits and potent efficacy in rat model of acne.

Conclusion

In conclusion, AE-SLN gel has the potential to use as a non-irritant topical formulation for the treatment of acne.

Keywords:

• Acne vulgaris
• isotretinoin
• α-tocopherol acetate
• topical delivery
• solid lipid nanoparticles

Author contributions

The manuscript was written through contributions of all authors. All authors have given approval to the final version of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.

Additional information

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.