Design, Development and Characterization of Nano Structured Lipid Carrier for Topical Delivery of Aceclofenac

  Objective: Aceclofenac is non steroidal anti inflammatory drug (NSAID) and is considered to be first line drug in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteo arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Aceclofenac undergoes first pass metabolism when taken orally and it also produces some GI problems. The limitations of oral administration have been overcome by topical route. Drug aceclofenac has been loaded with lipid carriers and then formulated in to topical formulation with the objective of prolonging its action and avoiding its most side effects by incorporation of solid lipid carriers which is achieved by Nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC). Methods: Nanostructured lipid carrier was prepared by Ultra sonication or High Speed Homogenization method. Results and Discussion: Characterization of nanostructured lipid carrier was performed by measuring particle size, drug entrapment efficiency and in-vitro drug release. Spherical uniform particles (size below 500 nm), Drug entrapment efficiency was found to be in the range of about 75-85%. The drug release profile of all the formulations after 8 h study was found to be in the range of 40%- 78 %. Formulation showing sustained release profile at the end of the study was found to be the best formulation. Optimized formulation was converted in to Topical gel with Carbopol as gelling agent was formulated and characterized for its physical appearance, pH, viscosity, spreadability, homogeneity studies. Conclusion: The result concludes that aceclofenac loaded nanostructured lipid carrier could be a potential drug delivery system for topical applications.