Targeted Delivery of a Poorly Water-Soluble Compound to Hair Follicles Using Polymeric Nanoparticle Suspensions

The study from June 2011 investigated the effectiveness of using polymeric nanoparticle suspensions for targeted delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs to hair follicles. The researchers created nanoparticles from ethyl cellulose and the drug UK-157,147, using sodium glycocholate as a stabilizer. In vitro tests with rabbit ear tissue showed successful delivery of the drug to hair follicles with minimal distribution to the surrounding skin. In vivo tests on C3H mice using 100-nm nanoparticles resulted in stimulated hair growth and no skin irritation, indicating good tolerance. Further in vivo tests with a hamster ear model confirmed targeted delivery to sebaceous glands. The nanoparticles demonstrated rapid drug release in vitro and maintained stability in suspension for 3 months. The study concluded that nanoparticles are a promising method for targeted topical delivery of low-solubility drugs to hair follicles.