Formulation and development of Silybin loaded solid lipid nanoparticle enriched gel for irritant contact dermatitis

The purpose of the present research was to develop Silybin loaded solid lipid nanoparticle gel (SIL-SLN gel) for irritant contact dermatitis (ICD). ICD is associated with reduced skin water content, emerging in dry skin condition and relapsing eczema. SIL is a naturally occurring flavones, which shows antioxidant activity and helps in the treatment of LCD. In this study, the SLN was prepared by the ultrasonic probe sonication method and further evaluated for particle size and entrapment efficiency. Results of optimized batch showed mean particle size 139 +/- 0.35 nm and entrapment efficiency 90.97 +/- 0.91%. Optimized batch was freeze dried and characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), it shows particles are in nano range, with spherical morphology and smooth surface. Finally, the SLN was incorporated into gel for convenient topical application. The SIL-SLN-gel were evaluated for in-vitro skin occlusivity, skin irritation and ex-vivo diffusion and deposition study and further compared with SIL-plain gel. Efficacy of gel on dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) induced ICD mice were evaluated by skin water content, ear swelling and histopathology. Ex-vivo study of SIL-SLN gel exhibited prolonged drug release, whereas the skin irritation study shows no irritancy. In DNCB induced ICD mice SIL-SLN gel showed higher efficacy than SIL-plain gel. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.