Design, Development, and Characterization of a Tannic Acid-loaded Transfersomal Gel for Psoriatic Skin

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Dermatology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflammation and impaired barrier function, hindering topical drug delivery.
• Current treatments face challenges due to poor drug penetration and efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To formulate and optimize a tannic acid-loaded transfersomal gel for improved transdermal delivery and therapeutic outcomes in psoriasis.
• To enhance skin deposition and efficacy of tannic acid for treating psoriatic skin.

Main Methods:

• Transfersomes were prepared via thin-film hydration and optimized using Box-Behnken design.
• Formulations underwent analysis for particle size, PDI, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency.
• The transfersomal gel was evaluated for rheology, drug release, ex vivo permeation, and in vivo antipsoriatic activity.

Main Results:

• Optimized transfersomes exhibited a particle size of 205 nm, PDI of 0.209, zeta potential of -26.0 mV, and 84% entrapment efficiency.
• The gel formulation demonstrated sustained release (63.7% over 24h) and a 2.74-fold increase in ex vivo skin permeation compared to conventional gel.
• In vivo studies showed a significant reduction in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores and decreased inflammation and epidermal hyperplasia.

Conclusions:

• The combination of transfersomes and tannic acid significantly enhanced drug permeation and provided sustained release.
• The optimized transfersomal gel exhibits strong potential as an effective topical therapy for psoriasis, improving therapeutic efficacy.