Glycolic acid-integrated nanostructured lipid carriers of apremilast and quercetin co-delivery for the management of psoriasis.

AIM: The goal of this study was to develop and optimize glycolic acid integrated nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs).

METHODS

The developed NLCs were optimized by 34 Central Composite Design (CCD) and were evaluated for their particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta-potential, drug loading, and entrapment efficiency. Moreover, in-vitro drug release, ex-vivo skin permeation and retention analysis, cytocompatibility using the MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, antioxidant measurements via DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging assessment for anti-inflammatory effects by observing cytokine inhibition in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages, and in-vivo irritation potential using the Hen's Egg Test on the Chorioallantoic Membrane (HET-CAM) assay were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The optimized NLCs have a particle size of 121.75 ± 9.18 nm, a PDI of 0.367 ± 0.07, and a zeta potential of -35.77 ± 3.44 mV, indicating a stable formulation. In-vitro assays demonstrated sustained drug release, cytocompatibility, and antioxidant potency with effective reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, i.e. interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α).

CONCLUSION

The combined Apremilast (APM)-Quercetin (QRC)-NLC integrated with glycolic acid introduces an promising nanocarrier strategy for the topical treatment of psoriasis.