Nanoparticle coated submicron emulsions: sustained in-vitro release and improved dermal delivery of all-trans-retinol

The aim of this research is to investigate the dermal delivery of all-trans-retinol from nanoparticle-coated submicron oil-in-water emulsions as a function of the initial emulsifier type, the loading phase of nanoparticles, and the interfacial structure of nanoparticle layers.

The interfacial structure of emulsions was characterized using freeze-fracture-SEM. In-vitro release and skin penetration of all-trans-retinol were studied using Franz diffusion cells with cellulose acetate membrane, and excised porcine skin. The distribution profile was obtained by horizontal sectioning of the skin using microtome-cryostat and HPLC assay.

The steady-state flux of all-trans-retinol from silica-coated lecithin emulsions was decreased (up to 90%) and was highly dependent on the initial loading phase of nanoparticles; incorporation from the aqueous phase provided more pronounced sustained release. For oleylamine emulsions, sustained release effect was not affected by initial location of nanoparticles. The skin retention significantly (p < or = 0.05) increased and was higher for positive oleylamine-stabilised droplets. All-trans-retinol was mainly localized in the epidermis with deeper distribution to viable skin layers in the presence of nanoparticles, yet negligible permeation (approximately 1% of topically applied dose) through full-thickness skin.

Sustained release and targeted dermal delivery of all-trans-retinol from oil-in-water emulsions by inclusion of silica nanoparticles is demonstrated.