Nano Particle Based Topical Dosage Form of Tacrolimus for Psoriasis

Abstract

Tacrolimus nano particle loaded Chitosanlaloe Vera films were formed to be applied as a potential treatment for psoriasis topically. Formulation was based on the intrinsic properties of the used materials. The method adopted for nano particles preparation was nanoprecipitation or solvent evaporation process. The formulation was optimized in terms of the particle size and stability at various levels of polyvinyl alcohol concentration, phase volume ratios, stirring speed and solvent injection rate. Optimized Tacrolimus loaded nanoparticles prepared were of particle size 236+2 nm with polydispersity index values of 0.11. Particles observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that particles were of spherical shape with particle size 150-300 nm. The entrapment efficiency was 77% showing the successful entrapment of Tacrolimus into nanoparticles and percentage drug release within 72 hours from nano particles was more than 80% at pH 5.4. Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis shows that no electrostatic interaction occurred in the nano system. X-rays diffraction (XRD) studies show the successful loading of drug in to polymer. The nanoparticles optimized were loaded into final formulation (film) based on chitosan and Aloe Vera. The prepared film was studied for swelling, erosion and water transmission test. All the tests show that by increasing aloe vera concentration in the film increases the water up take capacity. Water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) also shows that water diffusion and permeability increase as A V concentration increases