| Many enhancement techniques have been developed to improve transdermal delivery of drugs. In this project, microdermabrasion and lipid nanocarriers are investigated. Microdermabrasion is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure. It ablates the stratum corneum by bombarding high-speed crystals onto skin. Our studies showed effective removal of stratum corneum by microdermabrasion. Microdermabrasion improved the transdermal delivery of nicotinamide (hydrophilic model) and dermal absorption of retinol (lipophilic model). Therefore, microdermabrasion is a potential active technique for topical and transdermal delivery. Lipid nanocarriers are novel colloidal delivery systems composed of biocompatible lipids and oils. They are reported to have several advantages for topical application such as stabilization of incorporated drugs, enhancement of drug delivery, reduction of systemic side effects and enhanced accumulation in hair follicles. Nano-sized lipid carriers with negative surface charge and high entrapment efficiency were successfully prepared using emulsion-solvent evaporation and high pressure homogenization method. The topical delivery of nile red and anti-acne drug adapalene were significantly improved after incorporated into lipid nanocarriers. Lipid nanocarriers also improved the follicular uptake of nile red and adapalene, thus provides good potential to deliver drugs into hair follicles. Finally, in vitro permeation studies were developed as powerful tool to evaluate topical diclofenac gels. |
