Development and Evaluation of Ibuprofen-Loaded Glycerin Nanoparticles for Topical Application

Abstract

The aim of this study was to prepare ibuprofen-loaded glycerin nanoparticle (IBU-GNP) based hydrogel for improved antiinflammatory effect. Ibuprofen (IBU) has low oral bioavailability and topical permeability because of poor solubility and transdermal permeability barriers. Glycerin nanoparticles (GNPs) are emerging nanotechnology for solubility improvement with the help of glycerin. Precipitation technique was opted to prepare IBU-GNPs, and the prepared nanoparticles (NPs) were subjected to appropriate in-vitro characterization techniques. IBU-GNPs revealed a uniform average diameter of 492.9 ± 44.2 nm. IBU-GNPs were formulated in hydrogel dosage form for topical application using carbopol 934 (2% w/v). Physical characterization, in-vitro release, and in-vivo antiinflammatory study in comparison to marketed IBU gel was performed for IBU-GNP hydrogel. The in-vitro drug release data revealed quick and sustained release behavior, which best fit the Higuchi model and followed Fickian diffusion as the release mechanism. IBU-GNP hydrogel rapidly lowered inflammation induced by carrageenan, followed by a sustained antiinflammatory activity, confirming an in vitro release pattern.