TY - JOUR AU - SHAWKY, SEHAM M. AU - KHALIFA, MAHA K. A. AU - EASSA, HEBA A. PY - 2020/11/07 Y2 - 2024/03/29 TI - LORNOXICAM-LOADED NANOSPONGES FOR CONTROLLED ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECT: IN VITRO/IN VIVO ASSESSMENT JF - International Journal of Applied Pharmaceutics JA - Int J App Pharm VL - 12 IS - 6 SE - Original Article(s) DO - 10.22159/ijap.2020v12i6.39430 UR - https://journals.innovareacademics.in/index.php/ijap/article/view/39430 SP - 217-223 AB - <p><strong>Objective: </strong>To design a controlled topical delivery system of lornoxicam (LX) in order to enhance skin permeation and treatment efficacy. Nanosponges were selected as a novel carrier for this purpose.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Nanosponges were formulated via the emulsion solvent evaporation method using ethyl cellulose (polymer) and polyvinyl alcohol (surfactant). Nanosponge dispersions were characterized for colloidal properties, entrapment efficiency and <em>in vitro</em> release study. The nanosponge formulation (LS1) was then incorporated into carboxymethyl cellulose sodium hydrogels and evaluated for pH, viscosity and <em>in vitro</em> drug release. Skin irritation was evaluated, and anti-inflammatory activity was assessed via rat hind paw edema method.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Nanosponges were in the nano-sized range and attained a uniform round shape with a spongy structure. LS1exhibited the highest LX release after 6 h, so it was incorporated as hydrogel. Formulated hydrogels showed acceptable physicochemical parameters (pH, drug content and rheological properties). Skin irritation testing proved LX-loaded nanosponge hydrogel formulation (G1) to be non-irritant. <em>In vivo</em> study revealed an enhanced anti-inflammatory activity of G1 for 6 h (p&lt;0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The developed nanosponge hydrogel is an efficient nanocarrier for improved and controlled topical delivery of LX.</p> ER -