Minoxidil-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC): characterization and rheological behaviour of topical formulations

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2009

Authors

Silva, AC (Author) Other; Santos, D (Author) Other; Ferreira, DC (Author) FFUP; Souto, EB (Author) Other

Journal

The Journal is awaiting validation by the Administrative Services.

Title: PHARMAZIE

Vol. 64

Pages: 177-182

ISSN: 0031-7144

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 47 Citations

Scopus - 50 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Natural sciences > Chemical sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-003-N13

DOI: 10.1691/ph.2009.8232

Abstract (EN): Lipid nanoparticles are used as biocompatible carriers for several types of drugs intended for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and biochemical purposes. The wide range of lipids and surfactants available for the production of such particles turns these carriers highly suitable for distinct applications (topical, dermal and transdermal, parenteral, pulmonary, and oral administration). This work describes the development of a special type of lipid particles, namely nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), for minoxidil as an alternative to conventional topical alcoholic solutions. NLC were composed of stearic acid and oleic acid, being the matrix stabilized with poloxamer 188 in aqueous dispersion. To develop a suitable topical formulation, lipid dispersions were further mixed with freshly prepared Carbopol or perfluorocarbon based hydrogels. Minoxidil-loaded NLC were approximately 250 nm in size before the entrapment within the gel network and remained below 500 nm after mixing with both types of hydrogels. The occurrence of minoxidil crystallization in the aqueous phase of lipid dispersions was discarded under analysis by light microscopy and by scanning electron microscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to assess the recrystallization index (i.e. measure of the percentage of lipid matrix that is crystallized) of the particles, which was shown to be 62% for minoxidil-free dispersions and 68% for minoxidil-loaded NLC dispersions. Rheological analysis of hydrogels containing NLC dispersions showed typical pseudoplastic behaviour which makes them suitable for topical purposes.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 6