Formulation and Characterization of Chitosan-Decorated Multiple Nanoemulsion for Topical Delivery In Vitro and Ex Vivo

Abstract

In the present study, chitosan-decorated multiple nanoemulsion (MNE) was formulated using a two-step emulsification process. The formulated multiple nanoemuslion was evaluated physiochemically for its size and zeta potential, surface morphology, creaming and cracking, viscosity and pH. A Franz diffusion cell apparatus was used to carry out in vitro drug-release and permeation studies. The formulated nanoemulsion showed uniform droplet size and zeta potential. The pH and viscosity of the formulated emulsion were in the range of and suitable for topical delivery. The drug contents of the simple nanoemulsion (SNE), the chitosan-decorated nanoemulsion (CNE) and the MNE were 71 ± 2%, 82 ± 2% and 90 ± 2%, respectively. The formulated MNE showed controlled release of itraconazole as compared with that of the SNE and CNE. This was attributed to the chitosan decoration as well as to formulating multiple emulsions. The significant permeation and skin drug retention profile of the MNE were attributed to using the surfactants tween 80 and span 20 and the co-surfactant PEG 400. ATR-FTIR analysis confirmed that the MNE mainly affects the lipids and proteins of the skin, particularly the stratum corneum, which results in significantly higher permeation and retention of the drug. It was concluded that the proposed MNE formulation delivers drug to the target site of the skin and can be therapeutically used for various cutaneous fungal infections.

Synthesis and Characterization of Chitosan-Decorated Nanoemulsion Gel of 5-Fluorouracil for Topical Delivery

“…Chitosan acts as a permeation enhancer by reversibly fluidizing the lipids and proteins (keratin and ceramides) [ 23 ]. Similar results were found by Rehan et al, 2022, where the chitosan decoration of nanoemulsion helped the skin drug delivery [ 13 ]. Using nanoemulsion reduces the barrier nature of the stratum corneum because it acts as a permeation enhancer.…”

“…The anatomical illness, patient preference, type of active ingredients and physicochemical features of the delivery system mainly affect the penetration of drug across the skin [ 12 ]. The coating/decoration of nanoemulsion with polymers such as chitosan is widely used technique because of its high-efficiency [ 13 ]. Chitosan is a polyelectrolyte, a biodegradable and biocompatible positively charged polymer used as a controlling agent in the drug delivery [ 14 ].…”

Preparation and In Vitro Evaluation of Controlled-Release Matrices of Losartan Potassium Using Ethocel Grade 10 and Carbopol 934P NF as Rate-Controlling Polymers

“…Controlled-release matrices have been applied to almost all classes of drugs, from antibiotics [ 5 ] to anti-cancer compounds [ 6 ]. Controlled-release formulations are pivotal for antihypertensive drugs [ 7 ] and, among those, several studies have been recently centered on sustained-release forms of losartan, often considered as a model drug for release or solubility investigations [ 8 ].…”

Nanoemulsion-Based Hydrogels and Organogels Containing Propolis and Dexpanthenol: Preparation, Characterization, and Comparative Evaluation of Stability, Antimicrobial, and Cytotoxic Properties

“…Therefore, the use of dual surfactants in the preparation of nanoemulsions provides the ultra-low interfacial tension required to reduce the droplet size to the nanometer range [ 26 ]. The dual use of Tweens and Spans in the preparation of nanoemulsions is quite common in the literature [ 27 , 28 ]. The fact that Tweens are hydrophilic and Spans are lipophilic is a great advantage in terms of bringing the hydrophilic–lipophilic balance to the desired level [ 29 ].…”