Targeting Potential of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Finasteride-loaded Nano Lipidic Carriers-infused Topical Gel - In vitro and In vivo Skin Permeation Studies

Abstract

Background: There is an unmet clinical need to develop topical carriers for finasteride to reduce its systemic side effects in the treatment of androgenic alopecia (AGA). Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles have also emerged as an influential agent in hair biology.  Aim: The main focus of the work was to develop a novel formulation to explore the potential of ZnO nanoparticles in combination with NLCs of finasteride (FIN) for topical delivery. Method: ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized by precipitation method and were subsequently incorporated within the Carbopol gel. The ZnO nanoparticles and the gel were evaluated for their physicochemical characteristics. In vitro release study was performed for the determination of release of the drugs from the gel and ex vivo study was conducted for the determination of penetration of the NLCs and ZnO nanoparticles into the skin. Result: The particle size of the nanoparticles was found to be 200 nm. The pH, viscosity and spreadability of the gel was observed to be 6.13±2.11, 35,845.3±6.97 cps at 5 rpm and 17.14±2.32 respectively. Ex vivo drug permeation and skin distribution studies of the NLC gel formulations carried on rat dorsal skin indicated 25.763±0.2 μg/cm² and 19.375±1.2 μg/cm² of FIN and ZnO in 12 hr respectively. Conclusion: The results indicated the potential of developed systems for topical drug delivery for treatment of androgenic alopecia.