Development and evaluation of polymeric nanoparticles loaded gel for topical delivery of propranolol

Oral administration of Propranolol suffers from lower bioavailability due to high hepatic first pass metabolism. The study undertakes development of propranolol loaded polymeric nanoparticles, that was further loaded into gel matrix for topical application. The nanoparticles were prepared by precipitation-ultra-sonication method and were assessed for their physico chemical properties, morphology, drug release, and permeation analysis. The propranolol loaded nanoparticles had a particle size of 123 nm with polydispersity index of 0.111. The entrapment efficiency of nanoparticles was 85% with percentage yield of 67%. The SEM study showed particles size in the range of 115 nm to 150 nm with smooth & spherical surface morphology. The XRD analysis revealed that nanoparticles were amorphous in nature. The nanoparticles loaded gel have optimum pH, viscosity and spreadability for topical application. The gel matrix showed 83% propranolol release within 24 hours and followed Higuchi model. The permeation of drug from the gel was higher at skin pH of 5.5, depicting the suitability of fabricated gel for potential application in Infantile Haemangiomas.