Formulation and development of Tacrolimus nanosponges-loaded hydrogel for the treatment of atopic dermatitis

Targeted drug delivery to specific locations is a significant challenge encountered by researchers. Nanosponges have emerged as a promising solution for delivering drugs to their target sites. Nanosponges are nanoparticles with a large surface area, allowing for enhanced penetration compared to conventional drug delivery systems. This new technology offers controlled drug release and has several advantages over other methods. This project aimed to prepare and evaluate a Tacrolimus-loaded Nanosponges hydrogel. The goal was to create a dermatological gel suitable for local drug delivery after topical application, aiming for improved therapeutic effects, better dispersibility and good storage stability. Tacrolimus-loaded Nanosponge was prepared using beta-cyclodextrin and ethylcellulose as polymers, along with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a surfactant. The solvent emulsion diffusion technique is a method for preparing nanosponges, and the variations in the formulation using different polymers and drug-polymer ratios offer the opportunity to fine-tune the nanosponge’s properties to meet specific requirements for drug delivery applications. A Tacrolimus-loaded nanosponge hydrogel was formulated using carbopol 934. The results of the study indicated that the optimized batch of nanosponges with high entrapment efficiency was chosen for formulating the gel incorporating carbopol 934. The gel that was prepared was subjected to assessments for pH, viscosity, spreadability, diffusion, permeation and stability. The findings suggest that Tacrolimus can be effectively formulated in low doses of nanosponges-loaded hydrogel for atopic dermatitis.