Evaluation of the effect of tacrolimus-loaded liquid crystalline nanoparticles on psoriasis-like skin inflammation

Psoriasis is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disorder affecting 2-3% of world population. In present context, a novel topical formulation that could effectively deliver tacrolimus for psoriasis treatment would be of great interest. Liquid crystalline nanoparticle (LCN) is one of the potential drug delivery systems for topical drug delivery. Herein, the effects of tacrolimus-loaded LCNs on in vitro skin permeation and retention as well as on in vivo psoriasis-like skin inflammation are studied. Characterization of nanoparticles included particle size and entrapment efficiency analysis that presented nanoparticles of 149.1 nm for monoolein-based and 204.3 nm for oleic acid added monoolein-based nanoparticles with entrapment efficiency of tacrolimus above 99%. Skin permeation and retention study has revealed a significant increase in the amount of tacrolimus permeated and retained by the use of LCNs. Tacrolimus-loaded LCNs are more effective in the treatment of psoriasis-like skin inflammation as compared to tacrolimus dissolved in propylene glycol. Hence, this study provides a basis for possible applicability of tacrolimus-loaded LCNs in the treatment of psoriasis.