Systemic Delivery of Diclofenac Sodium after Topical Application of Gels Incorporated with Drug-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN)

The aim of this study was to prepare and evaluate gels incorporating solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) of diclofenac sodium for systemic delivery of the active after topical application. SLNs were prepared using hot homogenization followed by sonication technique and these were incorporated into freshly prepared carbopol gel. Three different gel formulations (DSL1, DSL2 and DSL3) were prepared and characterized for particle size, charge, viscosity, morphology, and drug-lipid compatibility. The gels were evaluated for in vitro drug release, ex vivo permeation studies and in vivo absorption. The gels enriched with SLN sustained the drug release for 24 h both in vitro and in vivo. The results suggest enhancement in systemic delivery of diclofenac sodium with gels incorporating SLNs.