Sandra Simões, Tiago Mendes, Carla Eleutério, Pedro Pinto and Andreia Ascenso
Current use of Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) in dermatology and in topical formulations is scarce despite its potential as a skin penetration enhancer and as a pharmacological active itself. The aim of this work is to develop and characterize a new type of semisolid formulation of Soybean Phosphatidylcholine (SPC) - DMSO deformable nanovesicles for topical application. Tretinoin is used in this work as a model substance. The formulation presents a non-newtonian pseudoplastic behaviour and a pH compatible with the skin. Stability-on-storage at different temperatures indicate an excellent physical and chemical stability and SPC-DMSO vesicles show high deformability when forced to pass through pores much smaller than their own size. These new nanovesicles show a high Tretinoin yield. Calorimetric analysis indicates a possible interaction between Tretinoin and DMSO in the lipid vesicle bilayer and vesicles formulation exhibit low cytotoxic effect below 1.25% SPC. Moreover, these vesicles once applied on the skin do not cause irritation. This study presents a new opportunity in dermal delivery for a controversial molecule such as DMSO. SPC-DMSO vesicles have plenty of advantages for topical application and future studies should confirm their superiority as drug carriers for topical application as well as for clinical evaluations in managing skin disorders.
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