Sustained delivery of salbutamol from cubosomal gel for management of paediatric asthma: in vitro and in vivo evaluation

Abstract

Aim In the current study, efforts are being made to formulate transdermal salbutamol-cubosomal gel to manage paediatric asthma. Methods Salbutamol-loaded cubosomal gels were prepared by melt emulsification and sonication. The cubosomal gels were characterised by morphology, particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficacy, assay, viscosity, and texture profiles. Ex vivo permeation and pharmacokinetic studies were performed using rats. Results The mean cubosomal particle size (208–361 ± 12.5–32.5 nm), PDI (0.06–0.11 ± 0.01–0.02), viscosity (8527–9019 cp), and entrapment efficacy (76.3–91.0% w/w) increase with the level of monoolein. The ex vivo permeation study showed a biphasic release pattern, with salbutamol cleared from control gel within 8 h, while cubosomal gels showed sustained release up to 72 h. The pharmacokinetic profiles in the rat model showed 8.62-fold higher bioavailability with cubosomal gel. Conclusion The study demonstrated the potential of cubosomal nanoparticle-laden gel to sustain the release of salbutamol to treat paediatric asthma.