Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2025
07:53
Encapsulation of Cancer Therapeutic Agent Dacarbazine Using Nanostructured Lipid Carrier
Published on: April 26, 2016
11.2K
Semi-solid functionalized nanostructured lipid carriers loading thymol for skin disorders
Camila Folle1, Elena Sánchez-López2, Mireia Mallandrich2
1Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.
International Journal of Pharmaceutics
|December 23, 2023
Summary
This study developed a novel gel formulation using phosphatidylcholine-thymol nanostructured lipid carriers (TH-NLCs) to treat acne. The formulation effectively improved skin hydration, reduced sebum, and decreased water loss in volunteers.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology and Nanotechnology
- Pharmacology and Cosmetic Science
Background:
- Acne vulgaris is a common skin disorder impacting skin and mental health, with no definitive cure.
- Thymol shows potential for restoring skin microbiota but suffers from poor skin permeation.
- Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) offer a solution for encapsulating thymol, improving its delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate surface-functionalized thymol-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (TH-NLCs) for acne treatment.
- To formulate TH-NLCs into a carbomer gel for enhanced skin application.
- To assess the safety, efficacy, and skin benefits of the final gel formulation.
Main Methods:
- Functionalization of TH-NLCs with phosphatidylcholine to enhance safety and antioxidant activity.
- Dispersion of functionalized TH-NLCs into a carbomer gel for semi-solid formulation.
- Evaluation of rheological properties, porosity, and extensibility of the gel formulation.
- In vivo assessment of the gel formulation on healthy volunteers for skin hydration, water loss, and sebum reduction.
Main Results:
- Phosphatidylcholine-TH-NLCs exhibited safety and high antioxidant activity in cellular studies.
- The carbomer gel formulation demonstrated suitable rheological and physical properties for dermal application.
- Application of gel-phosphatidylcholine-TH-NLCs in volunteers led to increased skin hydration.
- Significant reduction in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin sebum levels was observed.
Conclusions:
- Gel-phosphatidylcholine-TH-NLCs represent a promising topical system for managing acne vulgaris.
- The formulation effectively addresses key pathological factors of acne, including high sebum generation, dehydration, and oxidative stress.
- This nanocarrier-based gel offers a potential therapeutic strategy for acne and related skin conditions.
