Potential of biocompatible polymeric ultra-thin films, nanosheets, as topical and transdermal drug delivery devices

Publication date: 30 June 2019Source: International Journal of Pharmaceutics, Volume 565Author(s): Tomomi Hatanaka, Takanori Saito, Takaaki Fukushima, Hiroaki Todo, Kenji Sugibayashi, Soichi Umehara, Tomoharu Takeuchi, Yosuke OkamuraAbstractThe aim of the present study was to assess the potential of biocompatible polymeric nanosheets as topical and transdermal drug-delivery devices. Nanosheets are two-dimensional nanostructures with a thickness in the nanometer order, and their extremely large aspect ratios result in unique properties, including high transparency, flexibility, and adhesiveness. Nanosheet formulations containing betamethasone valerate (BV) as a model drug and consisting of poly (L-lactic acid) or poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid were fabricated through a spin-coating-assisted layer-by-layer method using a water-soluble sacrificial membrane. The fabricated formulations could incorporate and release higher amounts of BV compared with a commercial ointment, and the amounts could be controlled by the polymers used, the amount of BV added, and the use of controlled-release membranes. The presence of BV had a minimal effect on thickness, transparency, adhesiveness, and moisture permeability of nanosheets, permitting their application to any area of skin for a long period of time. Therefore, this biocompatible polymeric nanosheet formulation represents a novel and promising topical and transdermal drug delivery device, which has potential to deliver drugs regardless of...
Source: International Journal of Pharmaceutics - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: research