Acitretin Loaded Nanocarrier Gel: Formulation and Exploration of In-Vitro Release Kinetics

The study aimed to develop a topical formulation of Acitretin (ACT), a vitamin A analog used for managing psoriasis, to enhance patient compliance and reduce oral toxicity. ACT loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) were prepared using a hot homogenization method with oleic acid and stearic acid in a 7:3 ratio, along with a combination of non-ionic and anionic surfactants. The optimized formulation had a mean diameter of 363 nm and exhibited an amorphous nature. It was incorporated into a gel using Carbopol 940P as a gelling agent. In vitro release studies showed a 96.85 ± 2% release in 8 hours with Korsmeyer-Peppas model release kinetics. The study concluded that NLCs can serve as a potential carrier for topical delivery of ACT, reducing oral toxicity associated with the drug.