FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF LIPID-BASED NANOCARRIERS FOR EFFECTIVE TREATMENT OF ARTHRITIS
Satvik Sharma, Mahadev Kanere, Akhlesh Kumar Singhai
ABSTRACT
The present study focuses on the formulation and characterization of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) loaded with Baricitinib, aimed at enhancing its topical delivery for the effective treatment of arthritis. Baricitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, has proven efficacy in managing inflammatory conditions, but its systemic administration is often associated with side effects. SLNs were developed using glyceryl tripalmitate, soy lecithin, and pluronic F-68 by the hot homogenization method followed by ultrasonication. Among the prepared formulations, F14 showed optimal particle size (210.32 nm), high entrapment efficiency (84.54%), drug content (99.55%), and a stable zeta potential (-36.48 mV). The optimized SLNs were incorporated into a gel base (G-2) using Carbopol 934P for topical application. Evaluation of the gel formulation revealed suitable pH (6.74), viscosity (3465 cps), good spreadability, and drug release properties. In vitro drug release studies demonstrated a sustained release profile, with 99.05% release over 12 hours, fitting best with the Higuchi model (R² = 0.9929). The results suggest that SLN-based gel formulations can be a promising carrier system for the topical delivery of Baricitinib in arthritis therapy, offering enhanced bioavailability and reduced systemic exposure.
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