Nanoencapsulation in lipid-core nanocapsules controls mometasone furoate skin permeability rate and its penetration to the deeper skin layers.

AIMS: The influence of nanoencapsulation of mometasone furoate (MF) in poly(ε-caprolactone) lipid-core nanocapsules (LNC) on its in vitro human skin permeation and penetration was evaluated.

METHODS: Semisolid formulations were prepared by increasing the viscosity of LNC using a carbomer (Carbopol(®) Ultrez at 0.5% w/v). Two complementary techniques (the static Franz diffusion cell model and the Saarbrücken penetration model) were used to evaluate skin permeation/penetration.

RESULTS: The drug release rate was decreased by nanoencapsulation. The skin permeability of MF was controlled by the nanoencapsulation as well as by increasing the viscosity. Furthermore, the formulation containing the nanoencapsulated MF controlled the amount of drug reaching the deeper skin layers without changing its accumulation in the stratum corneum.

CONCLUSION: This formulation is suitable for prolonged treatment of skin disorders which should avoid systemic absorption.