Development and Evaluation Cyclodextrin Nanosponges based Topical Formulation of Tazarotene

Abstract

Tazarotene is a synthetic retinoid used for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris and plaque psoriasis. The excessive use of currently available formulation causes allergic reactions or other problems. Nanosponges based topical formulations have shown marked therapeutic efficacy and reduced adverse effects. The main objective of this work was to develop a safe and effective topical formulation of tazarotene using cyclodextrin based nanosponges. Nanosponges of different porosity were prepared by condensation reaction. Tazarotene loaded nanosponges were prepared by lyophilization method. The physiochemical characterization of plain nanosponges and drug loaded nanosponges were performed using FTIR, DSC and XRD studies. The drug loaded nanosponges were incorporated into a carbopol based gel formulation. The prepared formulation was evaluated for viscosity, dissolution and stability. The developed formulations were evaluated for cytotoxicity study for MTT assay and cellular uptake using confocal microscopy and compared with the marketed formulation. FTIR, DSC and XRD studies confirmed the formation of inclusion complex of tazarotene with nanosponges. The particle size of the drug loaded nanosponges was found to be in the range of 156.72 to 163.48 nm. TEM images revealed the regular spherical shape of both the nanosponges that are unaffected even after drug encapsulation. The pH of the gel formulations was found to be in the range of 5.86 to 6.46. The gel formulation resulted in the diffusion of drug in controlled manner for up to 24 h. The gel formulation was found to be more cytotoxic compared to marketed formulation. The in-vitro dissolution and cytotoxicity studies revealed that nanosponges based topical formulation had better results than the marketed product.