Cubosomes of dapsone enhanced permeation across the skin

The current research work was performed with an objective to deliver dapsone across the skin using cubosomes. Dapsone loaded cubosomes (DC) were prepared by ultrasonication of aqueous dispersion containing cubic gel matrix of glyceryl monooleate (GMO) and poloxamer 407. The formulations were characterized by their particle size, surface morphology, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency and in vitro release in pH 7.4 phosphate buffer saline (PBS) containing 1% tween 80. In vitro permeation study using pig ear skin was performed for DC, dapsone solubilised in pH 7.4 PBS (dapsone-PBS), and a marketed product, to assess if encapsulation of dapsone in cubosomes enhanced the permeation across the epidermis. The neutrally charged cubic shaped particles were in the size range of 39.4 +/- 3.6 nm to 231.9 +/- 7.1 nm. Dapsone encapsulated in cubic shaped lipid structures showed highest transdermal flux value (71.28 +/- 4.65 mu g/cm(2)/h) when compared to marketed formulation (55.28 +/- 2.13 mu g/cm(2)/h) and dapsone-PBS (45.44 +/- 3.09 mu g/cm(2)/h). The result indicates that DC are a good option to enhance permeation across the epidermal layers of the skin.