Budesonide-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticle Engrossed Hydrogel: Statistical Optimization, Improved Penetration, Skin Deposition and Dermal Targeting for Preclinical Assessment of psoriatic lesions

Abstract

The World Psoriasis Day consortium estimates that 2–3% of individuals worldwide suffer from psoriasis. Budesonide (BDS) is a potent non-halogenated acetal corticosteroid. Its local anti-inflammatory activity makes it a viable candidate for treating psoriasis. Unfortunately, its physicochemical characteristics and associated side effects make it difficult to administer topically. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are preferred lipid nanoparticles for delivering corticosteroids topically, as they improve penetration and further deposition into skin.

The current study intends to construct, optimize, and characterize budesonide-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (BDS-SLNs) immersed hydrogel to reduce the local side effects. BDS-SLNs were developed using a 3² factorial design by a pre-emulsion approach followed by a probe sonication. The mouse tail method was used to assess the effectiveness of hydrogel in psoriasis. In vitro characterization of an optimized BDS-SLNs exhibited spherical morphology, mean particle size (158.93 ± 1.89 nm), entrapment efficacy (87.47 ± 1.02%), and a zeta potential of − 46.4 mV. BDS-SLN hydrogel showed significantly higher deposition of budesonide in human cadaver skin (87.82%) as compared to budesonide gel (47.28 ± 1.02%).

Histopathological analysis of BDS-SLN hydrogel showed a considerable decrease in the thickness of the epidermis, a significant fall in the elongation of rete ridges, and the occurrence of granular cells in the orthokeratotic region. Results conclude that prepared BDS-SLN hydrogel represents a favorable carrier for delivery of BDS via the topical route, with anti-psoriatic activity, sustained action, and skin targeting with no skin irritation.