Transport of hydrocortisone in targeted layers of the skin by multi-lamellar liposomes

Hydrocortisone (HyC), a hydrophobic pharmaceutical active, was encapsulated in multi-lamellar liposomes (MLLs) composed of P100, a mixture of phospholipids, and Tween®80. Three different HyC-loaded formulations were designed to target the stratum corneum, the living epidermis and the hypodermis. The impact of encapsulation on their size, elasticity and zeta potential, the three key factors controlling MLLs skin penetration, was studied. Raman mapping of phospholipids and HyC allowed the localisation of both components inside an artificial skin, Strat-M®, demonstrating the efficiency of the targeting. Percutaneous permeation profiles through excised human skin were performed over 48 h, supporting results on artificial skin. Their modelling revealed that HyC encapsulated in MLLs, designed to target the stratum corneum and living epidermis, exhibited a non-Fickian diffusion process. In contrast, a Fickian diffusion was found for HyC administered in solution, in a pharmaceutical cream and in transdermal MLLs. These results allowed us to propose a mechanism of interaction between HyC-containing MLLs and the skin.

 

Comments：

Hydrocortisone (HyC) was encapsulated in multi-lamellar liposomes (MLLs) to target the stratum corneum, living epidermis and hypodermis. The size, elasticity and zeta potential of the MLLs were studied to control their skin penetration. Raman mapping of phospholipids and HyC confirmed their localization in an artificial skin, Strat-M®. Permeation profiles on excised human skin showed that HyC encapsulated in MLLs designed for the stratum corneum and living epidermis exhibited a non-Fickian diffusion process, while Fickian diffusion was observed for HyC in solution, pharmaceutical cream and transdermal MLLs. These results provide insights into the interaction between HyC-containing MLLs and the skin.

Related Products

Cat.No.	Product Name	Information
S1696	Hydrocortisone	Hydrocortisone is a steroid hormone or glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal gland.

Related Targets

Glucocorticoid Receptor