Development and Characterization of a Clobetasol Propionate Nanostructured Lipid Carrier-based Gel for the Treatment of Plaque Psoriasis

Background: Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease of the skin with lapsing episodes of hyperkeratosis, irritation, and inflammation. Numerous traditional and novel drug delivery systems have been used for better penetration through psoriatic barrier cells and also for retention in the skin. As there is no effective remedy for better penetration and retention is there because of the absence of an ideal carrier for effective and safe delivery of antipsoriatic drugs.

Objectives: The main objective of this project is to develop Squalene integrated NLC based carbopol 940 gel to create a local drug depot in skin for improved efficacy against psoriasis.

Methods: Homogenization method is used for the formulation of Nanostructured Lipid Carrier and were characterized on the basis of size, entrapment efficiency, polydispersity index (PDI), viscosity, spreadability, DSC, zeta potential, % in vitro release, in vitro skin permeation and retention studies, physical storage stability studies and in vivo studies can use other alternative models for induction of psoriasis by severe redness, swelling macroscopically and microvascular dilation edema lasting for 10 days. Further histopathology study was done to basses of changes in the skin.

Conclusion: The optimized formulation of nanostructured lipid carrier-based gel has shown significant sustained release of clobetasol propionate. Further, this formulation has also shown retention in skin because of squalene as it is sebum derived lipid show affinity towards the sebaceous gland.

Keywords: Nanostructured lipid carrier; gel; permeation; retention; sebaceous gland.