Formulation and Evaluation of Nanogel used for the Treatment of Psorasis

Context: Although several formulation strategies have been developed for the treatment of psoriasis, there is an unmet need for optimization of its therapy. Objective: The objective was to develop a nanogel composed of Acitretin (ACT) loaded nanostructured lipid carrier (ACT-NLC) and to evaluate its potential in imiquimod-induced psoriasis model to ameliorate symptoms of psoriasis. Materials and methods: The developed control (CNGs) nanogels, acitretin loaded nanogels (ActCNGs) were characterized by UV and FTIR. Results and discussion: The systems were found to be spherical in shape with a size range of 98±10, and 138±8 nm having zeta potential values of +28±3 and +27±3 mV for CNGs and ActCNGs respectively. The in vitro haemolysis assay revealed that all the nanogel systems are blood compatible. The systems exhibited higher swelling and release at acidic pH. The ex vivo skin permeation studies using porcine skin confirmed the higher deposition of the systems at epidermal and dermal layers, which was confirmed further by fluorescent imaging. The in vivo anti-psoriatic activity study using Perry's mouse tail model and skin safety studies confirmed the potential benefit of the system for topical delivery of acitretin in psoriasis.