Hybrid nanoparticles for the topical delivery of norfloxacin for the effective treatment of bacterial infection produced after burn.

The present study was designed to investigate the solubility and penetrability of norfloxacin after the topical application of developed lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticle (LPN) formulation. The core shell of the LPNs formulation was composed of poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) that is highly lipophilic in nature, thus control the release of drug. The developed formulations were characterised for size, shape (transmission electron microscopy [TEM], scanning electron microscopy [SEM], and atomic force microscopy), entrapment efficiency, Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). Moreover, in vitro skin permeation studies were performed to determine release profile of the drug. Norfloxacin loaded nanoparticles retained there antimicrobial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Stability study was suggested that the suitable storage condition should be at 4 ± 2 °C/60 ± 5% RH for the LPNs. Therefore, these nanoparticles showed a safe and effective long-lasting approach for long treatment of bacterial infections due to burn.

Capsaicin-loaded vesicular systems designed for enhancing localized delivery for psoriasis therapy.

The aim of the current investigation is to evaluate the potential of capsaicin (CAP)-containing liposomes, niosomes and emulsomes in providing localized and controlled delivery, to improve the topical delivery of drug. CAP-bearing systems were prepared by the film hydration method and compared through various in vitro and in vivo parameters. The TEM photographs suggested that the carrier systems were spherical in shape and nanometric in size range. Skin retention studies of CAP from in vitro and in vivo experiments revealed significantly higher accumulation of drug in the case of the emul-gel formulation. Based on the results, we concluded that the emul-gel may be a potential approach for the topical delivery of CAP, for an effective therapy for psoriasis.

Capsaicin delivery into the skin with lipidic nanoparticles for the treatment of psoriasis.

The study aims to explore the potential of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) in improving the topical delivery of capsaicin (CAP) by in vitro and in vivo studies. The lipidic nanoparticles were prepared by solvent diffusion method and were characterized for average particle size, zeta potential and entrapment efficiency. TEM photomicrographs revealed that the particles were nanometric in size. Higher amount of CAP can be encapsulated in the NLCs (87.4 ± 3.28) as compared with SLNs (79.7 ± 2.93%). The cumulative amounts of CAP permeated through the skin and retained in the SC were higher in the case of NLCs as compared with plain drug solution and SLNs. SLNs and NLCs exhibited minimum to no irritation. All the results concluded that NLCs and SLNs have shown a good ability to increase drug accumulation in the various skin layers but NLCs may be a more potential carrier for topical delivery of CAP for an effective therapy of psoriasis.

Evaluation of mucoadhesive carrier adjuvant: toward an oral anthrax vaccine.

The aim of present study was to evaluate the potential of mucoadhesive alginate-coated chitosan microparticles (A-CHMp) for oral vaccine against anthrax. The zeta potential of A-CHMp was -29.7 mV, and alginate coating could prevent the burst release of antigen in simulated gastric fluid. The results indicated that A-CHMp was mucoadhesive in nature and transported it to the peyer's patch upon oral delivery. The immunization studies indicated that A-CHMp resulted in the induction of potent systemic and mucosal immune responses, whereas alum-adjuvanted rPA could induce only systemic immune response. Thus, A-CHMp represents a promising acid carrier adjuvant for oral immunization against anthrax.

Options and opportunities for clinical management and treatment of psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a complex, multifactorial disease that appears to be influenced by immune-mediated components. For many years the pathogenesis of psoriasis has been discordant; the clinical picture suggested that the psoriasis was secondary to abnormal keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, but later the role of the T cell was revealed. A variety of treatment options range from topical agents (e.g., coal tar, dithranol, and emollients for milder forms) to systemic agents (i.e., methotrexate or cyclosporin), and phototherapy. Recently, biologics have been added to this list that target particular steps in the immune or inflammatory pathways. Various nanocarriers (e.g., liposomes, niosomes, and microemulsions) have been successfully exploited for the delivery of several antipsoriatic drugs. This review provides insight into various psoriasis treatment strategies-from conventional to novel-currently in use or in development as well as the novel targets that have been explored and/or investigated for anti-psoriatic therapy. The pathogenesis of psoriasis and some of the topical, systemic biological, and novel approaches currently in use or in development are reviewed here. The pros and cons of each treatment strategy are presented, as are some of the animal models used to study features reminiscent of psoriasis. This information can be used to better the understanding of treatment options for this disease.