Development of an innovative formulation that associates polymeric nanocapsules and pectin for topical application

Abstract

This work aimed to developed and characterize a pectin hydrogel containing polymeric nanocapsules. This hydrogel was characterized in terms of rheological properties, drug release profile, adhesiveness, and permeation and penetration into the skin layers. For these experiments, imiquimod was used as a model drug. A pectin hydrogel without the nanocapsules and carbopol hydrogels (containing polymeric nanocapsules or not) were used as controls for the nanotechnological formulation developed. Regarding the rheological properties, the pectin hydrogel presented pseudoplastic behavior, which is suitable for topical application. The release profile study showed a more controlled drug release from the pectin hydrogel containing the nanoencapsulated imiquimod than from the other hydrogels. The adhesiveness was measured by two techniques: washability study and tensile stress study. By both techniques, the pectin hydrogel containing the polymeric nanocapsules presented as the most adhesive formulation. The penetration and permeation studies showed that the nanoencapsulated drug incorporated into the pectin hydrogel was able to penetrate the deeper layer of skin and to permeate the skin more effectively than the drug incorporated in the other formulations.