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Metformin hydrochloride laden nanostructured lipid carriers: A promising strategy for skin diseases

Research Authors
Reem Y. Mahran, Ehab A Fouad, Sozan S Tous, Nermin E. Eleraky
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Research Publisher
Scielo Brazil
Research Rank
Q4
Research Vol
; 61: e24146
Research Website
http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/s2175-97902025e24146
Research Year
2025
Research Abstract

Metformin hydrochloride (MTF) has pharmacological properties for managing inflammatory skin conditions. MTF is a hydrophilic medication. Accordingly, embedding MTF into lipid carriers for enhancing skin penetration presents a challenge. The study aims to optimize the loading of MTF into nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) using a 22 full factorial design, employing the solvent injection technique. The NLCs were evaluated for encapsulation efficiency, hydrodynamic diameter, zeta potential, and polydispersity index. Alkalinization of the aqueous phase (pH = 12.5) resulted in maximizing the entrapment of MTF within NLCs. Furthermore, the tested solid lipids impacted the encapsulation of MTF based on their hydrophilic-lipophilic balance. The optimized formulation is composed of a lipid phase incorporating beeswax (75 mg), oleic acid (25 mg), and Span 60 (1% w/w), and an aqueous phase comprised of 1% w/w Tween 80, pH 12.5. The selected formula attained an entrapment efficiency of 53.68 ± 0.27%, a particle size of 333.0 ± 6.4 nm, and a negative surface charge, indicating adequate particles` stability. DSC and Molecular docking analyses confirmed the MTF incorporation within the lipid phase. The outcomes emphasize the importance of optimizing investigations in developing a viable delivery system for MTF to boost its permeation across the skin layers