Design and Characterization of Nanostructure Lipid Carrier for Transdermal Delivery of Pioglitazone

Abstract

Nanostructure Lipid Carrier (NLC) is one of the lipid-based drug delivery systems that are used as carrier for delivery of drugs. NLC are composed of mixture of solid lipid and liquid lipid, which form imperfect type of lipid matrix with improved drug loading capacity, drug release profile and stability. The aim of the present study was to develop and characterize nanostructure lipid carrier for transdermal delivery of pioglitazone (PZ) to overcome the problems related with oral route of administration and to improve systemic availability. NLC’s were prepared by high-speed homogenization method. Optimized NLC formulation was evaluated for particle size, percentage entrapment efficiency, surface morphology, DSC analysis, in-vitro drug release etc. The optimized NLC formulation was formulated as a transdermal patch and evaluated for in vitro drug release study and primary skin irritation study. In vivo hypoglycaemic activity of pioglitazone -NLC loaded transdermal patch was studied in comparison with its orally administered suspension. PZ- NLC loaded transdermal patch was found to be non-irritant and showed reduction in blood glucose level in a controlled manner up to 24 hrs.