Gelatin Nanoparticles and Nanocrystals for Dermal Delivery

The document describes the optimization of the classical two-step desolvation technique for producing gelatin nanoparticles (GNPs), which are promising for dermal delivery systems. The modified technique allows for the production of ultrafine GNPs with a mean particle size of 56 ± 4 nm, which are stable in various gels and can be preserved with Euxyl® PE 9010. These ultrafine GNPs have advantages over traditional GNPs, including smaller size, higher drug loading capacity, faster drug release, and preserved biological activity of the enzyme lysozyme. The study also introduced a novel concept of transforming medium soluble actives into nanocrystals for dermal application, with caffeine nanocrystals produced by high pressure homogenization and low energy pearl milling. The caffeine nanocrystals achieved optimal sizes for different applications, with 660 nm being suitable for hair follicle accumulation and 250 nm providing high solubility and dissolution velocity. Carbopol® 981 was identified as an effective stabilizer for these nanocrystals.