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Published on: January 24, 2025
Acid-responsive polymeric nanocarriers for topical adapalene delivery
Chenchen Guo1, Rajeshree H Khengar, Mingjing Sun
1Tianjin Key Laboratory for Modern Drug Delivery & High Efficiency School of Pharmaceutical Science & Technology, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, 300072, China.
This study developed acid-responsive nanocarriers for targeted adapalene delivery in acne treatment. The nanocarriers demonstrate enhanced drug release and skin permeation in acidic conditions, promising improved acne therapy.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery
Background:
- Acne-prone skin exhibits a lower pH microenvironment compared to healthy skin.
- This pH difference presents an opportunity for targeted drug delivery strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To leverage the acidic microenvironment of acne skin as a trigger for on-demand topical adapalene delivery.
- To develop and characterize acid-responsive nanocarriers for enhanced adapalene delivery.
Main Methods:
- Adapalene was encapsulated in acid-responsive Eudragit® EPO polymer nanocarriers using nanoprecipitation.
- Nanocarriers were characterized for particle size, morphology, drug-carrier interaction, and drug release/permeation.
- In vitro studies utilized silicone membranes and pig skin tape stripping for permeation and stratum corneum delivery assessment.
Main Results:
- Adapalene exhibited rapid release at pH 4.0 compared to pH 5.0 and 6.0.
- Nanocarriers showed significantly higher drug flux (6.5 ± 0.6 μg.cm⁻².h⁻¹) than the control vehicle (3.9 ± 0.4 μg.cm⁻².h⁻¹) across a silicone membrane.
- In vitro studies indicated comparable drug delivery to the stratum corneum by nanocarriers and a positive control vehicle at 24 hours.
Conclusions:
- Acid-responsive nanocarriers are a promising platform for efficient adapalene delivery.
- This approach holds potential for improving topical acne therapy through site-specific drug release.
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