Biocompatible nanoparticles for sustained topical delivery of anticancer phytoconstituent quercetin

This study describes the release and retention of a herbal lipophilic drug in sustained and controlled manner in skin layers, given topically, intended for skin cancer. Quercetin -loaded nanoparticles were prepared by nanoprecipitation technique using ethylcellulose as polymer. Ethylcellulose was selected as it is biocompatible, but non-biodegradable and hence can act as a reservoir in skin furrows and ducts. It was observed that the Quercetin: Ethylcellulose: Tween 80 at different ratios affects particle sizes along with yield and entrapment efficiency. It was found that the size of nanoparticles could be varied by changing the speed of agitation and sonication. The nanoparticles were prepared in particle size range 228.77 +/- 2.0 nm and the zeta potential of the selected formulation were found to be -16.7 mV, which shows the stability of the preparation. The percent entrapment efficiency was found to be in the range from 51.96 to 53.93% and percent loading capacity in the range 34.19 to 5.12%. The amount of drug release from nanoparticles and of drug retained in skin was compared using ex vivo study which shows that the drug being lipophilic could be retained in the skin for longer duration thus reducing the dose and frequency of drug administration. Further the amount of drug reaching to other organs is also reduced since the systemic absorption of drug was low. Thus, Quercetin loaded nanoparticles were prepared for topical use.