Formulation, design and optimization of glycerosomes for topical delivery of minoxidil

Present work reports the formulation design and optimization of minoxidil loaded glycerosomes for topical application. The delivery system enhances the vesicular properties of vesicles by modifying the fluidity of lipid bilayer. The major component of formulation consists of phospholipid, glycerol, and cholesterol.

Glycerosomes were prepared by using lipid film hydration method. Prepared formulations were optimized using Box behnken 3² full factorial experimental designs. Two independent variables were selected which were Sonication time (Xi), and Glycerol Concentration (X2) and with respect to these two dependent variables were selected which were % cumulative drug release after eight hours (Yi), and Entrapment efficiency (Y2). Nine formulations of (G1-G9) were prepared based on factorial design for optimization.

Prepared formulations were evaluated in terms of surface analysis, charge distribution, encapsulation efficiency, in-vitro diffusion studies, stability testing and release kinetics. The fabricated glycerosomes found to possess entrapment efficiency in the range of 70.29±0.75 to 87.91±0.23%, cumulative drug release: 73.12 to 89.39%; a shelf life of 356 days at 4± i°C and show higuchi release kinetics, fickian diffusion.

As glycerol present in formulation in high quantity, this is itself used as humectant, emollient and penetration enhancer. So this formulation is best suitable for topical delivery of drugs.