Albendazole-loaded chitosan nanoparticle conjugated with hyaluronic acid for the treatment of psoriasis.

OBJECTIVE

To design and develop hyaluronic acid (HA) conjugated Albendazole (ABZ) loaded chitosan nanoparticles (HA-ABZ-CSNP) loaded hydrogel for the treatment of psoriasis.

SIGNIFICANCE: Albendazole (ABZ), a commonly used anti-parasitic drug, has garnered a lot of attention lately including anticancer and anti-psoriasis properties. Chitosan nanoparticle followed by conjugation with HA was formulated in hydrogel base making it an excellent strategy for targeting overexpressed CD44 receptor on psoriatic skin as well as alleviating the problems, such as dryness, itchiness associated with psoriasis.

METHODS

ABZ-CSNP was formulated by ionic gelation technique followed by conjugation with hyaluronic acid (HA) and was evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, respectively. Developed HA-ABZ-CSNP were incorporated into hydrogel base and were evaluated for in-vitro drug release. Ex-vivo studies were performed. In-vivo studies were performed on Balb/c mice and tests, such as Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI), Spleen weight assessment, and histopathological studies were conducted.

RESULTS

Optimized HA-ABZ-CSNP showed a particle size of 170.1 ± 76.38 nm, zeta potential of 31.6 mV, and entrapment efficiency of 98.89%, respectively. Developed HA-ABZ-CSNP hydrogel showed a Korsemeyer and Peppas release model and an in-vitro release of 93.90 ± 32.50 % in around 24 h. Ex-vivo studies were conducted which showed 30.74 ± 13.65% in 24 h. In-vivo studies conducted on Balb/c mice showed reduced PASI, Spleen weight as well as reduced keratinocyte proliferation in histopathological studies.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, developed novel formulation of ABZ reduced keratinocyte proliferation making it a possible effective strategy in the management of psoriasis.