Polymethacrylate microparticles gel for topical drug delivery

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Materials Science

Background:

• Topical drug delivery faces challenges with drug absorption and retention.
• Particulate systems offer potential for enhanced topical drug delivery.
• Verapamil hydrochloride (VRP) has growing off-label topical use in dermatology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate polymethacrylate microparticles (MPs) for topical drug delivery.
• To formulate and characterize VRP-loaded MPs in a topical gel.
• To assess the impact of formulation parameters on drug release and skin permeation.

Main Methods:

• Polymethacrylate MPs incorporating VRP were prepared using Eudragit RS100 and Eudragit L100.
• The influence of drug loading, polymer composition, and dispersing agent HLB was investigated.
• MPs were formulated into a gel and evaluated for drug release and skin permeation.

Main Results:

• High incorporation efficiency and yield of MPs were achieved.
• Polymer composition, specifically Eudragit L100 content, significantly influenced MPs characteristics and drug release.
• The VRP-loaded MPs gel demonstrated controlled release and reduced skin retention versus a free drug gel.

Conclusions:

• Particulate delivery systems can effectively modulate topical drug delivery and skin retention.
• The developed VRP-loaded MPs gel shows promise for dermatological applications.
• This formulation may provide advantages for treating various skin conditions.