Liquid Crystal Nanoparticles-based Fluocinolone Acetonide Topical Gel for Atopic Dermatitis: In vitro and in vivo Study

Fluocinolone acetonide is a potent anti-inflammatory corticosteroid commonly used to treat atopic dermatitis. Its commercially available topical formulations (cream/ointment) must be administered frequently. The study aimed to develop a fluocinolone acetonide-liquid crystal nanoparticles (FA-LCN) based gel for treating atopic dermatitis.

FA-LCN were produced using a top-down method and statistically optimized by a 2³ full-factorial design with concentrations of glyceryl monooleate, Poloxamer 407 and sonication time as independent variables, while entrapment efficacy (EE), particle size (PS) and in vitro drug release (DR) as dependent variables.

The optimized batch with an average particle size of 265.3 nm, zeta potential of -47.3 mV and encapsulation efficiency of 98.6% was incorporated into Carbopol 940-based gel. The globular nanoparticles were confirmed by TEM analysis, and their formation was supported by FTIR data. In vitro studies of FA-LCN gel showed 96 ± 1.65% release at the end of 30 h. In vivo studies revealed no skin irritation after the application of FA-LCN gel. FA-LCN (0.5%w/w) gel showed faster healing, substantially reduced earflap thickness, and lower WBC counts compared to the FA-LCN 0.1% gel and the marketed formulation in albino Wistar rats challenged with DNCB. Additionally, the FA-LCN 0.5% gel (3.08 ± 0.16 µg/cm²) exhibited greater drug deposition in the skin compared to the FA-LCN 0.1% (2.12 ± 0.11 µg/cm²) gel and the marketed formulation (1.01 ± 0.19 µg/cm²).

Therefore, FA-LCN-based gel could be a viable option for chronic dermatological treatment for atopic dermatitis with a reduced application frequency.