Development and evaluation of dexamethasone loaded cubosomes for the treatment of vitiligo

Abstract

Liquid crystalline nanoparticles (Cubosomes) are unique structures for the effective delivery of many pharmaceutical drugs. The present study is aimed to develop and characterize novel cubosomal formulation containing dexamethasone (DMS). The cubosomes were incorporated into hydrogel for prolonged delivery of DMS to treat vitiligo. The cubosomes were prepared via top-down technique using different concentrations of glyceryl monooleate (GMO) (lipid phase), poloxamer 407 (P 407) (non-ionic surfactant), oleic acid (fatty acid) and water (aqueous phase). The formulated cubosomal formulations were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zeta size analyzer for their surface morphology, particle size and zeta potential. Further, they were evaluated for % entrapment efficiency and in-vitro drug release. The optimized F-12 formulation exhibited a particle size of 250.40 nm and a zeta potential of −36.10 ± 2.56 mV. The in-vitro drug release of 88.12% was achieved at 12th h. The F-12 formulation was incorporated into 1% carbopol 940 to form cubogel (CG). The F-12 loaded CG was evaluated for physical characteristics, pH, drug content, viscosity, spreadability, and in-vitro drug release studies. All the evaluation parameters for the CG formulation were said to be within the standard limits. The in-vitro drug release for DMS loaded CG was found to be 83.58% at end of 12 h, thus indicating its potential as a better sustained drug delivery system for vitiligo.