Design and synthesis of potential nano-carrier for delivery of diphencyprone to hair follicle

• Published in: Journal of pharmaceutical investigation Vol. 51; no. 2; pp. 173 - 181
• Main Authors: Hooshyar, Salar, Nafisi, Shohreh, Mohseni, Mojdeh, Mehravi, Bita
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Singapore Springer Singapore 01-03-2021; 한국약제학회
• Subjects: Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Original Article; 약학; Mesoporous silica nanoparticles; Diphencyprone; Hair follicles; Alopecia areata
• ISSN: 2093-5552; 2093-6214
• DOI: 10.1007/s40005-020-00501-z

Purpose
Poor bioavailability of diphenylcyclopropenone (DPCP), an effective drug for an autoimmune disorder of alopecia areata, limits its pharmaceutical effects. Carriers-based nanoparticles with especially porous structures can overcome these restrictions. Here, mesoporous silica nanoparticles, MCM41, with high surface area and pore volume were synthesized for DPCP delivery to the hair follicles through skin tissue.
Methods
Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MCM41) were synthesized by the Stöber process and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, Barrett–Joiner–Halenda and N
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adsorption isotherms for their physicochemical properties. HPLC method was used to determine drug entrapment efficiency and release behavior during 24 h. Cytotoxicity of formulations was evaluated using MTT assay and permeation profiles of DPCP (control sample) and DPCP-MCM41 into the rat skin were obtained by using Franz diffusion cells. Fluorescence microscopy and intrafollicular nanoparticle accumulation were examined using confocal microscopy.
Results
Experiments showed the spherical shape of the nanoparticles with an average size of 50 ± 3 nm, high surface area, and porosity. Entrapment efficiency was about 90% and release behavior had sustained manner after 3 h. Fluorescent and confocal microscopy confirmed that the nanoparticles passed through follicular channels and aggregated around the hair follicles.
Conclusion
MCM41 nanoparticles provide a promising nano-carrier for targeted drug delivery of DPCP to the human hair follicle.