Development of transdermal nanofilm containing fluticasone propionate: In-vitro, in-vivo correlation

Background: Psoriasis is one of the chronic inflammatory skin conditions, affecting about 2-3% of the world population. Steroidal treatment are only best choice of treatments, but it is often associated with side effects due to higher lipophilicity. Objectives: In this work, a nanoparticle-loaded transdermal film was developed to maintain nanoparticle integrity in the skin. Methods: Fluticasone propionate loaded chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) were developed, and their particle size, zeta potential, drug loading, entrapment efficiency and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were determined. The NPs-loaded film was further characterized for appearance, thickness and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectra, and an in vitro and in vivo permeation study was conducted. Results: The particle size of FSNPs was found to be 250nm with +32.4 ±1.5 mV zeta potential, great entrapment efficiency and spherical in shape. In vivo dermato-kinetic studies showed long-term, confined drug release from the NP-formulated film in the epidermal layers, compared with the film containing free drug. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that the FSNPs-loaded film showed higher skin permeation, which is effective for managing psoriasis and warrants further evaluation.