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

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 193.4nm (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 hours with 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 edema in rabbits and potent efficacy in rat model of acne.Conclusion: In conclusion, AE-SLN gel has potential to be use as a non-irritant topical formulation for the treatment of acne.

Keywords: Acne vulgaris; Isotretinoin; Solid lipid nanoparticles; Topical delivery; α-Tocopherol acetate.