Enhancement of Drug Penetration Rate by Enriching Skin Hydration: A Novel Amalgamation of Microemulsion and Supersaturation

Abstract

Background: The evolving need and facilitation of topical formulations have risen in the present era. Topical industries are continually striving to satisfy patients with newer and innovative products. However, dry skin is the critical factor contributing to drug penetration into the skin. Objective: The current research aims to develop cost-effective and commercially feasible industrial scale microemulsion of wheat germ oil to enrich skin hydration, enhancing the drug permeation rate. Methods: The Pseudo-ternary phase diagram was constructed for screening of microemulsion components. Wheat germ oil containing O/W microemulsion was prepared and evaluated for physicochemical parameters, thermodynamic stability study, globule size determination, enhancement of skin hydration, and skin permeation rate by ex vivo study. Results: The wheat germ oil containing microemulsion was prepared by incorporating tween 20 [surfactant] and ethanol [co-surfactant]. All physicochemical parameters were in the ideal range. Following the thermodynamic stability study, the TEM study showed globule size of optimized microemulsions in the range of 69.64 nm to 84.42 nm. The skin moisture tester showed a high hydration level for more than eight hours. An Ex vivo study revealed higher drug flux [Jss] of Pomegranate peel Extract [17.99 μg/cm2/h] with an enhancement ratio of 1.69. Conclusion: The topical formulation application has become challenging for researchers due to the skin's dryness and lower water content. However, the developed WGO microemulsion aids more penetration and is helpful in achieving higher drug flux. In addition, it is a cost-effective, easy to prepare, and patient-friendly drug delivery system.