Lipid-chitosan hybrid nanoparticles for transdermal co-delivery of lornoxicam and curcumin in arthritis management

The transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) is a promising approach with multiple advantages, including enhanced permeation and improved therapeutic outcomes. In this study, we developed lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNPs) co-loaded with curcumin and lornoxicam using the ionic gelation method, which were subsequently formulated into a gel. The resulting LPHNPs were spherical, with particle sizes ranging from 210.7 ± 2.87 nm to 392.1 ± 3.70 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) below 0.3, and zeta potentials between 27.40 ± 2.02 mV and 37.27 ± 1.90 mV. Entrapment efficiency ranged from 70.11 ± 0.98 % to 89.37 ± 0.92 %. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) confirmed the compatibility of the components, the physical state of the formulation, and good thermal stability. In-vitro studies showed the enhanced release profile of LPHNPs at pH 5.5 and cytotoxicity demonstrated good biocompatibility with RAW 264.7 cells. Stability studies further demonstrated the robustness of the developed nanoparticles. Ex-vivo permeation analysis indicated that the formulated gels serve as an effective semisolid delivery platform, enhancing skin permeability compared to liquid preparations. In-vivo studies using a CFA-induced arthritis model confirmed the therapeutic efficacy of the LPHNPs. These findings suggest that the developed LPHNPs are promising vehicles for the transdermal co-delivery of lornoxicam and curcumin for inflammation treatment and management. However, further investigations into the toxicity profile and subacute pharmacological effects are recommended.