Development Of Etofenamate-Loaded Semisolid Sln Dispersions And Evaluation Of Anti-Inflammatory Activity For Topical Application

Dermal application of various active substances is widely preferred for topical or systemic delivery. SLNs consist of biocompatible and non-toxic lipids and have a great potential for topical application in drugs. In this study, semisolid SLN formulations were successfully prepared by a novel one-step production method as a topical delivery system of etofenamate, an anti-inflammatory drug. Compritol 888 ATO and Precirol ATO 5 were chosen as lipid materials for the fabrication of the formulations. In-vitro evaluation of the formulations was performed in terms of encapsulation efficiency, particle size, surface charge, thermal behavior, rheological characteristics, in vitro drug release profile, kinetics, mechanisms, stability, and anti-inflammatory activity. The colloidal size and spherical shape of the particles were proved. According to the results of the rheological analysis, it was demonstrated that the semisolid SLN formulations have a gel-like structure. Stability studies showed that semisolid SLNs were stable at 4°C for a six month period. Zero order release was obtained with Precirol ATO 5, while Compritol 888 ATO followed the square root of time (Higuchi&aposs pattern) dependent release. Semisolid SLNs showed higher inhibitory activity of COX in comparison with pure etofenamate. In conclusion, etofenamate-loaded semisolid SLN formulations can be successfully prepared in a novel one-step production method and useful for topical application.