Design and characterization of dual‐pronged liposome‐embedded gel for enhanced dermal delivery

Abstract

AbstractThe present study aims to develop a combination of Nigella sativa seed oil (NSO) and virgin coconut oil (VCO)‐loaded liposomal gel as a topical drug delivery system for vitiligo. A 3 × 3 factorial design approach was adopted to study the effect of variables on liposome characteristics and performance. A total of nine batches were formed. The cholesterol: phospholipid (wt/wt) and drug (NSO:VCO) ratios (vol/vol) were marked as two independent variables, X1 and X2. The dependent variables selected were entrapment efficiency, vesicle size, and polydispersity index. Liposomes were fabricated by thin‐film hydration technology. A carbopol gel matrix was used to embed the optimized liposome vesicles, which were then tested for pH, viscosity, ability to spread, and stability. Better stability for topical drug delivery systems was demonstrated by the incorporation of liposomes in gel prepared from cross‐linked polyacrylate. In vitro drug release, ex vivo drug permeation and drug retention were compared between liposomal and conventional preparations. Skin permeation and skin retention studies demonstrated that the prepared liposomal gel significantly extended the penetration of drugs into the skin and retained more drugs in the skin when compared to liposomal dispersion and conventional gel formulations. The stability of the developed liposomal gel was assured at 5 ± 3°C and 25 ± 2°C. From the studies described above, it is concluded that liposomal gel is the best‐suited formulation among all the preparations examined. The enhanced epidermal localization and accumulation of therapeutic moiety on the disease site could improve the effectiveness of the treatment.