Lipid nanoparticles for Ursodeoxycholic Acid Delivery: A Strategy for Topical Applications

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a bile acid with well-established hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective properties. In addition to its conventional use in the treatment of cholestatic liver diseases, recent evidence has highlighted its potential in dermatological applications. The aim of this study was to develop lipid-based nanoparticles for the topical delivery of UDCA to enhance its therapeutic efficacy in inflammatory skin conditions. The nanoparticles obtained were characterized by suitable size and morphology for topical application, along with an UDCA encapsulation efficiency of about 70%. The solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN)- and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC)-based hydrogel formulations showed favourable occlusive effects, suitable rheological properties and released UDCA in a controlled manner over 24 hours. Both nanoparticle formulations preserved the antioxidant activity of UDCA, while NLC-UDCA showed a statistically significant improvement over free UDCA. Lipid-based nanoparticles may represent a promising platform for the topical delivery of UDCA, warranting further investigation to assess their potential for improving local drug delivery and therapeutic outcomes. Our results highlight the potential of SLN- and NLC-based formulations as a practical and scalable therapeutic approach for dermatological applications, supporting their future pre-clinical development for inflammatory and stress-related skin disorders.