Improved Poly (D,L-lactide) nanoparticles-based formulation for hair follicle targeting

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Hair follicles are key targets for topical nanoparticle delivery.
• Effective follicular targeting can enhance treatments for hair-related disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize the preparation of Poly (D,L-lactide) (PLA) nanoparticles for in vivo hair follicle targeting and drug delivery.
• To assess the feasibility of industrial scale-up for PLA nanoparticle production.

Main Methods:

• Nanoprecipitation method was employed to prepare PLA nanoparticles, evaluating various processing parameters.
• Encapsulation efficiencies and in vitro release profiles for lipophilic and hydrophilic compounds were assessed.
• In vitro cytotoxicity and ex vivo skin penetration studies were conducted.

Main Results:

• Optimized conditions yielded monodispersed, non-cytotoxic spherical PLA nanoparticles (~150 nm) with high yield (~90%).
• Entrapment efficiencies exceeded 80% with no significant changes in particle properties.
• Successful follicular penetration and varied release kinetics (anomalous and Fickian) were observed for model compounds.

Conclusions:

• The optimized method provides an effective formulation of PLA nanoparticles for hair follicle targeting.
• PLA nanoparticles demonstrate capability for transporting and releasing diverse compounds within hair follicles.
• The high yields achieved are suitable for industrial-scale production.