Optimization of Chitosan-Decorated Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Improved Flurbiprofen Transdermal Delivery

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Materials Science

Background:

• Transdermal drug delivery offers an alternative to oral administration for drugs causing gastrointestinal discomfort, like flurbiprofen.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause stomach issues, necessitating alternative delivery methods.
• Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are investigated for improved drug delivery characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and characterize chitosan-coated SLN transdermal formulations of flurbiprofen.
• To evaluate the effect of chitosan coating on SLN properties and drug release.
• To assess the transdermal permeation of flurbiprofen from chitosan-coated SLNs across excised rat skin.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of SLNs using the solvent emulsification method.
• Coating of SLNs with varying concentrations of chitosan (0.05%, 0.10%, 0.20%).
• Characterization of particle size, drug association efficiency, drug release kinetics, and in vitro skin permeation.

Main Results:

• Chitosan coating increased SLN particle size, with higher concentrations leading to larger particles.
• Drug association efficiency improved with increased chitosan concentration due to enhanced flurbiprofen-chitosan affinity.
• Chitosan-coated SLNs exhibited significantly higher transdermal permeation and retarded drug release compared to uncoated SLNs, following non-Fickian anomalous diffusion.

Conclusions:

• Chitosan-coated SLNs represent a viable carrier system for transdermal flurbiprofen delivery.
• These formulations demonstrate potential for improved therapeutic outcomes by enhancing drug permeation.
• The study offers insights for advancing transdermal drug delivery systems beyond conventional approaches.