Formulation and Evaluation of Retinoic Acid Loaded Quatsomes for Topical Application

Background: This study aimed to develop and characterize quatsomes as a novel nanocarrier system for the delivery of retinoic acid in keloid treatment. Materials and Methods: Three quatsomes formulations (F1, F2 and F3) with varying surfactant/cholesterol ratios were prepared and evaluated for their physicochemical properties. The formulations are characterized for morphology, particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index and entrapment efficiency. Results: Based on the results, F3 was selected as the optimal formulation for further investigation. F3 exhibited spherical morphology, mean particle size of 104.5 nm, zeta potential of -41.9 mV, polydispersity index of 0.02 and entrapment efficiency of 85.2%. In vitro release studies of F3 were conducted over 600 hr, revealing a sustained release profile of retinoic acid. The release kinetics best fit in Korsmeyer-Peppas, indicating the mechanism of diffusion-controlled release. The developed quatsomes formulation demonstrated promising characteristics for retinoic acid delivery, including high drug loading capacity, uniform size distribution and sustained release properties. Conclusion: These findings suggest that quatsomes may serve as an effective nanocarrier system for retinoic acid in keloid treatment, potentially improving drug stability, enhancing skin penetration and reducing side effects associated with conventional formulations.