A Nanocarrier Skin-Targeted Drug Delivery System using an Ascorbic Acid Derivative

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Materials Science
• Dermatology

Background:

• Trisodium L-ascorbyl 2-phosphate 6-palmitate (APPS), an amphiphilic ascorbic acid derivative, forms micelles.
• Micelles serve as effective drug carriers for poorly water-soluble compounds like nadifloxacin (NDFX).

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop APPS-based nanocarriers for enhanced delivery of NDFX into Yucatan micropig skin.
• Investigate the potential of APPS micelles as a drug delivery system for topical NDFX application.

Main Methods:

• Nanoparticles synthesized using the hydration method.
• Evaluated physical characteristics (particle size, zeta potential, structure via TEM, NMR) and stability.
• Assessed functional properties including DPPH radical scavenging, skin penetration, and fluorescence microscopy.

Main Results:

• Achieved approximately 75% encapsulation efficiency for NDFX within APPS nanoparticles.
• Demonstrated stable nanoparticle dispersion in aqueous solution for 14 days with magnesium chloride.
• Observed enhanced skin permeability of NDFX using the APPS nanoparticle formulation.

Conclusions:

• APPS-derived nanoparticles are effective as skin-targeting nanocarriers.
• The developed formulation shows potential for improving topical drug delivery of NDFX.