The following is a summary of “Optimization, characterization, and follicular targeting assessment of tretinoin and bicalutamide loaded niosomes,” published in the November 2023 issue of Dermatology by Ghasemiyeh et al.
Acne vulgaris, a commonly encountered skin condition among adolescents and young adults, often carries significant psychological implications. Employing topical treatments for acne offers advantages by mitigating the risk of systemic adverse reactions to drugs. However, a pivotal challenge lies in the skin’s formidable barrier, the stratum corneum, which restricts the effective penetration of therapeutic agents.
In this study, the researchers aimed to develop niosomes loaded with tretinoin (TRT) and bicalutamide (BCT) capable of targeted delivery to hair follicles, a promising approach for managing acne. These niosomes were crafted using the thin film hydration technique to enhance skin penetration and follicular targeting. Design-Expert software aided in optimizing the formulations, subsequently characterized for particle size, zeta potential, and morphology via transmission electron microscopy, drug loading, and differential scanning calorimetry.
The optimized formulation revealed spherical morphology with an average diameter of 319.20 ± 18.50 nm and a zeta potential of − 29.70 ± 0.36 mV. Encapsulation efficiencies were found to be 94.63 ± 0.50% for BCT and > 99% for TRT, while loading capacities were 1.40 ± 0.01% and 1.48 ± 0.00%, respectively. Subsequent in vivo studies using rhodamine B-loaded niosomes demonstrated notable accumulation within hair follicles, indicating potential efficacy in targeting the intended sites of action.
These findings suggest that BCT and TRT’s devised niosomal co-delivery system holds promise in acne management, specifically through follicular targeting. The successful targeting of hair follicles by the formulated niosomes underscores their potential for enhanced therapeutic outcomes in the treatment of acne, offering a promising avenue for future investigations in this domain.
Source: nature.com/articles/s41598-023-47302-6
