OPTIMIZATION OF PROCESS PARAMETERS FOR ENHANCING THE SKIN PERMEATION EFFICIENCY OF NISOLDIPINE LOADED ULTRA DEFORMABLE VESICLES IN TRANSDERMAL PATCHES

Objective: The study aimed to address the limitations of oral delivery and enhance the bioavailability of nisoldipine (NSD) through the development of transferosomal transdermal patches containing ultra-deformable transferosomes. Methods: NSD, known for its low oral bioavailability and adverse effects, was encapsulated in transferosomes using a thin film hydration method. 17 formulations were made using Box Behnken Design, varying Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), span-80, and stirring speed, and were evaluated for vesicle size, Polydispersity Index (PDI), and Entrapment Efficiency (EE%). The optimal formulation, selected based on these parameters, was combined into Transdermal Patches (TPs). The patches underwent extensive testing for physicochemical properties, in vitro and ex-vivo permeation, and skin irritancy. Results: The results showed transferosomes with Vesicle Sizes (VS) ranging from 124±2.25 to 400±1.55 nm and EE% from 52.88±0.23 to 90.01±1.58%, with Zeta Potentials (ZP) between-48 to-20 mV. The patch thickness (0.66±0.02 mm) and weight per square inch (382.1±1.69 mg) showed consistent manufacturing, while the Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVT) (1.54±0.01g/m²/24h), low moisture content (1.07±0.01%), and regulated moisture absorption (3.78±0.01%) maintained formulation stability. In vitro and ex-vivo permeation indicated superior drug permeation for transferosomal patches (NP) compared to plain nisoldipine patches (NP-N), with permeation directly proportional to PEG-400 concentration. Additionally, the transferosomal patches were found to be free from skin irritation. Conclusion: The optimized Niosoldipine transferosomal patch (NP-3) composition displays good folding endurance (FE) 97.67±0.47, required for transdermal systems, and successfully allows drug permeation (DP) at 86.39±2.64% in a short timescale. Hence, the study concludes that transferosomal patches of NSD offer a promising approach for effective transdermal delivery, potentially improving hypertension management by providing a controlled and prolonged drug release.