Development of a nanotechnological hydrogel containing desonide nanocapsules in association with acai oil: design and in vivo evaluation

Abstract

Nanotechnological products have been used as strategies to optimize the therapy and minimize the side effects of topical corticoids. The objective of this study was to develop hydrogels by the addition of sclerotium gum to the suspensions of desonide-loaded açai oil-based nanocapsules and to study their biological effect using an animal model of acute skin inflammation. The hydrogels presented a pH compatible with topical application (4.4 to 5.0), nanometric mean diameter (131 to 165 nm), pseudoplastic behavior, and stability under room conditions during 30 days. The in vitro skin permeation/penetration study demonstrated that a higher amount of desonide (p < 0.05) was retained in the epidermis from the nanotechnological-hydrogels (0.33 to 0.36 µg.cm²) in comparison to the commercial gel cream (0.16 µg.cm²). In the dermis, the nanostructured hydrogels promoted a lower DES retention compared to the non-nanostructured formulations (p < 0.05). This result may indicate a smaller amount of drug reaching the bloodstream and, thus, fewer side effects can be expected. Concerning the anti-inflammatory effect, the developed hydrogels reduced both ear edema and inflammatory cell infiltration, showing an effect comparable to the commercially available formulation, which presents twice the drug concentration. The hydrogels developed may be considered a promising approach to treat dermatological disorders.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Açai oil
• corticosteroids
• ear edema
• sclerotium gum
• semisolid formulation
• in vitro permeation

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES-Brasil) – Finance code 001, and FIPE Sênior (UFSM). We thank CAPES for their fellowship support.