Preparation and characterization of aceclofenac-loaded amphiphilogels for transdermal drug delivery

The surfactant-based amphiphilogels were prepared using different surfactant combinations, such as Span 60, Tween 80 and Tween 20. Different concentrations of gelator (Span 60) within the fluid phase (Tween 20 and Tween 80) was investigated to optimize the correct combination which can result in amphiphilogels. Various test formulations were prepared and evaluated for various physicochemical properties, such as physical appearance, homogeneity, percentage gelation and formulation pH. Optimized formulations were further evaluated for spreadability, rheology, drug content and in-vitro drug permeation. The formulations were also evaluated for their stability studies. The pH of the test formulations was found within the acceptable range for transdermal application. The ex-vivo skin permeation studies showed that all the formulation have good skin permeation property due to the presence of surfactant as a main structural framework. The formulation 19% w/w (F2) in span 60-tween 20 and 29% w/w (A3) span 60-tween 80 showed greater rate of skin permeation among all formulations. The developed amphiphilogels could be a potential drug delivery system for hydrolytic drugs and it provides a good platform for the management of arthritis.