Glycolic acid-integrated nanostructured lipid carriers of apremilast and quercetin co-delivery for the management of psoriasis

AIM: The goal of this study was to develop and optimize glycolic acid integrated nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). METHODS: skin permeation and retention analysis, cytocompatibility using the MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay, antioxidant measurements via DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging assessment for anti-inflammatory effects by observing cytokine inhibition in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages, and in-vivo irritation potential using the Hen's Egg Test on the Chorioallantoic Membrane (HET-CAM) assay were also evaluated. RESULTS: The optimized NLCs have a particle size of 121.75 ± 9.18 nm, a PDI of 0.367 ± 0.07, and a zeta potential of -35.77 ± 3.44 mV, indicating a stable formulation. In-vitro assays demonstrated sustained drug release, cytocompatibility, and antioxidant potency with effective reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, i.e. interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). CONCLUSION: The combined Apremilast (APM)-Quercetin (QRC)-NLC integrated with glycolic acid introduces an promising nanocarrier strategy for the topical treatment of psoriasis.