Investigation and Release Profile Optimization for Vaterite-Based Carriers Loaded with Betamethasone Dipropionate

Glucocorticosteroids (GCs) are widely used in the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases due to their anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and immunosuppressive properties. However, long-term therapy with conventional GC formulations can lead to adverse effects, whose severity depends on dosage and duration of treatment. To address these issues, new approaches are being developed to increase the effectiveness of GC treatment and reduce side effects. These include the development of novel delivery systems for targeted drug delivery, efficient localization of GCs at the region of interest, and optimization of the release profile. In this study, we propose a promising system for the topical administration of betamethasone dipropionate (BD), one of the most commonly used GCs. A particulate formulation of this drug, based on micron-sized calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) carriers in vaterite form, has been developed. The loading capacity of this formulation was found to be almost 5% (w/w). The release of the drug from the carriers has been studied using a Franz diffusion cell. Surface modification of the BD-CaCO 3 carriers with multilayered polyelectrolyte coatings was performed in an effort to prolong the BD release. Deposition of biocompatible polymers, such as poly-L-arginine hydrochloride and dextran sulfate, was shown to be effective for the release profile optimization. The developed carriers demonstrated sufficient biocompatibility when incubated with L929 fibroblasts in vitro, providing evidence of safety for this particulate GC formulation. Our findings support the feasibility of controlling the GC release and optimizing the biological properties of BD-loaded carriers through surface modification paving the way for further tuning and optimization of the pharmaceutical properties of the proposed particulate formulation.