14.4.1 Dermatokinetic Study

Raza

et

al.

prepared

nanocolloidal

carrier

of

isotretinoin

and

performed

dermatokinetic modelling by using Wistar rats. The group separated the skin layers

by heat treatment and then extracted the drug from each layer. They observed that

nanocolloidal systems (NLCs and SLNs) have increased the rate of delivery of

isotretinoin to skin layers than the marketed product. They also reported that AUC

of drug was more in dermis when compared to epidermis which indicates the

efficient drug supply to sebaceous glands, i.e., target site to treat acne (Raza et al.

2013).

Sharma et al. performed dermatokinetics of aceclofenac-β-cyclodextrin vesicles

using Wistar rats and microdialysis technique. They observed that there was increase

Table 14.2 Advantages and challenges of lipodermal carriers

Lipid-based

carriers

Advantages

Challenges

Liposomes

Biocompatible and biodegradable

Suitable for both hydrophobic and

hydrophilic drug loading

High cost of lipids

Poor chemical and physical

stability

Poor permeation

Poor physicochemical

characteristics

Ethosomes

Lipids are biocompatible and

biodegradable

Suitable for both hydrophobic and

hydrophilic drug loading

Higher elasticity, high efficacy with

smaller vesicle size

Higher skin permeation

High cost of lipids

Loss of stability on long-term

storage

Possibility of skin irritation

Lipospheres

Biodegradable and biocompatible in

nature

Relatively cost-effective than other

vesicles

Preparation method and scale-up is

easy

Stability is increased for photo-labile

drugs

Poor skin permeability compared

to SLNs and NLCs

Lack of long-term physical

stability

Higher particle size than SLN and

NLC

Poor drug loading for hydrophilic

compounds

Nanostructured

lipid carriers

Higher drug loading capacity

compared to SLNs

Water content is low compared to

SLNs

Particle size is less than lipospheres

Physical stability lacks on storage

Lack of regulatory guidelines

Solid lipid

nanoparticles

Relatively cost-effective

Biodegradable and biocompatible

Protect the payloads from chemical

degradation

Smaller particle size than lipospheres

Incorporated in the semisolid

form due to the high water

content

Gelation and particle

agglomeration

Lack of physical stability on

storage for long term

14

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