A Poly (Caprolactone)-Cellulose Nanocomposite Hydrogel for Transdermal Delivery of Hydrocortisone in Treating Psoriasis Vulgaris

Psoriasis vulgaris (PV) is a common chronic disease, affecting much of the population. Hydrocortisone (HCT) is currently utilized as a PV treatment; however, it is associated with undesirable side effects. The aim of this research was to create a thermo-responsive nano-hydrogel delivery system. HCT-loaded sorbitan monostearate (SMS)-polycaprolactone (PCL) nanoparticles, encapsulated with thermo-responsive hydrogel carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), were synthesized by applying the interfacial polymer-deposition method following solvent displacement. The nanoparticles’ properties were evaluated employing Differential Scanning Colorimetry, Thermogravimetric Analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Zeta sizer, Ultraviolet/Visual spectroscopy, and cytotoxicity testing. The nanoparticle sizes were 110.5 nm, with polydispersity index of 0.15 and zeta potential of −58.7 mV. A drug-entrapment efficacy of 76% was attained by the HCT-loaded SMS-PCL nanoparticles and in vitro drug-release profiles showed continuous drug release over a period of 24 hrs. Keratinocyte skin cells were treated with HCT-loaded SMS-PCL nanoparticles encapsulated with CMC; the results indicated that the synthesized drug-delivery system was less toxic to the keratinocyte cells compared to HCT. The combined trials and results from the formulation of HCT-loaded SMS-PCL nanoparticles encapsulated with CMC showed evidence that this hydrogel can be utilized as a potentially invaluable formulation for transdermal drug delivery of HCT, with improved efficacy and patient conformity.