ABSTRACT:
The aim of present study was to develop, characterize and optimize nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) for topical delivery of betamethasone valerate, to assess in vitro drug release and ex vivo permeation profile. The role of the developed cream was compared with the conventional dosage form for topical delivery of the active. Betamethasone valerate loaded NLCS were prepared by solvent diffusion technique. The NLCS were lyophilized and their crystallinity was characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The optimized NLCS had an average particle size of 390.8 nm, zeta potential of 26.7 mV and entrapment efficiency of 86.84%. The NLCS were incorporated in 0.1% w/w stearic acid cream base and in vitro skin deposition was studied in goat ear skin. Significantly higher deposition of betamethasone valerate was found in goat ear skin from NLC cream as compared to betamethasone valerate plain cream. The developed cream appears to be a potential strategy for treatment of topical skin diseases.