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A novel fabrication of magnetite (Fe

In modern world, Pharma sector observes steep increase in demand of personalized medicine. Various unique ideas and technology were proposed and implemented by different researchers to prepare personalized medicine and devices. 3-dimensional printing (3DP) is one of the revolutionary technologies which can be used to prepare tailored medicine via CAD (Computer Aided Design) software. 3DP allows researchers to manufacture customized dosage form with desired modifications in geometry which would in turn alter dosage behaviour of the product with reduced side effects. Current achievement of 3DP includes personalized and adjustable dosage form, multifunction drug delivery systems, medical devices, phantoms, and implants specific to patient anatomy. Additionally, 3DP is employed for preparing tailored regenerative medicines. This review focuses on 3DP use in pharmaceuticals including drug delivery systems and medical devices with their method of fabrication. Additionally, different clinical trials as well as different patents done till date are cited in the paper. Furthermore, regulatory issues and future perspective related to 3 D printing is also well discussed.

The combination therapy of Isotretinoin (ITR) and antibacterial formulations administered through topical route suffer from several limitations including reduced therapeutic efficacy and low patient-compliance.The present study aimed to develop biocompatible lipid-based mixed micelles of ITR in combination with Clindamycin phosphate (CLIN) employing self-assembly method to improve its skin delivery, photostability, biocompatibility and pharmacodynamic efficacy.The MTT assay and cellular uptake studies showed non-cytotoxic effect to HaCat cell lines. The zone of inhibition studies conducted inThe lab developed lipid-based micellar formulation of ITR and CLIN offers a better strategy for the combined delivery of unstable molecules like ITR and CLIN in acne management.

The potential of Dunaliella salina isolated from Sambhar Salt Lake (Rajasthan, India) for biosorption of hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) in aqueous solution has been examined under optimized culture conditions. The influence of various process parameters, such as pH (6–11), incubation time (48–120 h), metal concentration (5–25 mgL-1), inoculum dose (2–10% vv−1), and their combination effects during Cr(VI) sorbtion were analyzed by means of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based on a 3-level Box-Behnken experiment design. Microalgae showed highest chromium biosorption with 66.4% efficiency at optimum pH (8.6) and 10% (vv−1) inoculum size within 120 h. The experimental data obtained were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) along with lower value of coefficient of variation (34%), indicated the well fitness of quadratic equation as proposed by response surface model. Involvement of the surface morphology of the microalgae biomass and elemental distribution was studied through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopic (EDS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. The findings unequivocally corroborates that the novel microalgae inherits immense potential in alleviating the levels of toxic heavy metal, such as Cr(VI) from the hydrosphere at wide range of pH and metal concentrations. The present study provides a workable solution for bioremediation of hazardous heavy metals, in general, and Cr(VI) in specific from the industrial wastes like tannery effluents.

Ibuprofen, a frequently prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is a common environmental pollutant, and its increasing concentration in the environment leads to serious impacts. This concern has demanded a holistic scientific approach for the removal of pharmaceuticals and their by-products from the environment. Microbial degradation is an eco-friendly technique known to degrade complex molecules to simpler forms. The present study focuses on isolating the most potential bacterial strain from pharmaceutical industry site and investigates the biodegradation of ibuprofen. Among six isolated strains, one isolate KGP04 was identified as Micrococcus yunnanensis (GenBank: MG 493238), which exhibited the highest potential to degrade (~ 41.57%) ibuprofen before optimization. Taguchi-based L8 orthogonal array was used to optimize process parameters which improved the degradation rate by 83.50%. Drug concentration was reduced by 90.37% at optimum conditions (carbon 0.15%, nitrogen 0.1%, pH 7, inoculum size 2% (w/v), rpm 150, 12 h, 25 °C), as revealed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Q-time of flight mass spectrometry demonstrated the ibuprofen degradation pathway followed by the strain resulting in various transformative products. Further, the effect of ibuprofen on human embryonic kidney 293 cells was also analyzed through the Alamar Blue assay, which exhibited lower toxicity on the cells treated with the degraded samples. These results indicate that the strain is a capable candidate for the degradation of pharmaceuticals and optimized conditions can be employed to remove the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and similar agents in a greener and economic manner from the pharmaceutical effluents.

The emergence of multidrug resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa necessitates the exploration of novel therapeutic intervention (s). The present study aimed to develop a nisin loaded carbopol gel formulation (NLCG) and explore its therapeutic efficacy against P. aeruginosa infected burn wounds. The formulation was prepared using Carbopol 940 as a polymer and characterized in terms of its appearance, stability, pH, rheology, spreadability, release, and permeation profiles. Disc diffusion assay and field emission scanning electron microscopy were carried out to establish in vitro antibacterial activity while the in vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated by hemolytic and trypan blue exclusion assay. Furthermore, in vivo efficacy was investigated by developing P. aeruginosa infected third-degree murine burn wound model followed by evaluation of parameters like bacterial loads, skin restoration, histopathological architecture, levels of hydroxyproline, myeloperoxidase and cytokines. Our studies yielded a stable formulation with pH, viscosity and drug release flux values as 6.5 ± 0.02, 382.4 p and 160.55 ± 3.64 μg h-1 cm-2 , respectively. Approximately, 84.02 ± 1.63% of nisin was found to permeate into murine skin, further, affirmed by confocal microscopic observations. Interestingly, no in vitro cytotoxicity of NLCG (to erythrocytes and/or to peritoneal macrophages) could be observed. The log units decrease (s) in CFUs of Pseudomonas in skin were found to be 1.5137, 4.2257, 6.456 after 12, 24 and 72 h of topical gel therapy, respectively. Percentage wound closure, tensile strength, histological, and scanning electron microscopic studies further provided a healing evidence with skin showing restoration of the epithelium. The gel therapy also led to a significant modulation (p ≤ 0.05) in hydroxyproline content, myeloperoxidase levels, and serum levels of IL-1, IL-10, and TNF-α. Our formulation revealed anti-Pseudomonas, wound healing, and immunomodulatory efficacy of NLCG. Further investigations are warranted to determine the underlying mechanism (s) of these displayed antibacterial and immunomodulatory effects.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), a sub-family of fullerenes, are nanosized seamless cylinders of graphene sheets with enormous drug loading potential. The current studies entail the systematic development of berberine (BRB)-loaded multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with polysorbate and phospholipid coating for effective management of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). For systematic optimization using design of experiment (DoE), a central composite design (FCCD) was employed and the optimized formulation was choosen using numerical desirability function. Optimized formulation exhibited particle size of 186nm, 68.6% drug adsorption and amount of drug released in 16h (Q16h) of 96%. Degree of carboxylation was observed to be 36%. FTIR and FESEM studies confirmed the coating of polysorbate and phospholipid onto the MWCNTs side walls. Confocal studies ratified the uptake potential of BRB-loaded MWCNT formulations on SH-SY5Y cell lines. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies in rats showed significant improvement in the rate and extent of drug absorption in the plasma and brain tissues, both, vis-a-vis pure drug. Behavioral assessment employing Morris Maze test demonstrated the enhanced performance efficiency of the formed MWCNT complexes. Moreover, the phospholipid-coated and the polysorbate-coated MWCNTs exhibited remarkable recovery in memory performance from 18th to 20th day vis-a-vis other groups. Maintenance of normal biochemical levels in brain tissue demonstrated the potential of these coated MWCNTs in reducing β-amyloid induced AD. The studies, in a nutshell, demonstrate significant potential of polysorbate/phospholipid coated MWCNTs of BRB in holistic management of AD.

Water dispersible fullerenes were synthesized by tethering with glycine. The glycinated fullerenes were conjugated to docetaxel and characterized using FT-IR and NMR. The nanometric drug-loaded carriers were able to release drug at cancer cell pH, but resisted drug release at plasma pH. The cytotoxicity in MDA MB-231 cells was substantially enhanced as well as the system was well tolerated by erythrocytes. The confocal laser scanning microphotographs confirmed the substantial drug delivery to cytosol as well as nuclei of cancer cells. The developed system not only increased the circulation time of drug, but also decreased its protein binding and substantially enhanced AUC. The glycinated fullerenes can serve as promising “cargo vehicles” for delivery of anti-cancer drugs in safe and effective manner.

The purpose of study was to conjugate and evaluate methotrexate with C60-fullerenes and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for better drug delivery to cancer cells, and also to compare these two systems. C60-fullerenes and MWCNTs were functionalized by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition using glycine and paraformaldehyde. Methotrexate (MTX) was esterified and conjugated to the functionalized carbon-based carriers. The conjugates were characterized for micromeritics and drug conjugation. The systems were evaluated for drug release in various pH, MTT cytotoxicity assay, protein binding, cellular uptake, haemolytic profile and pharmacokinetics. Spectroscopic studies confirmed the successful conjugation of drug to the aminated carbon-based carriers. The developed systems released more drug at the pH of cancer cells to that of the pH of plasma. The carriers were compatible with erythrocytes and offered substantial cytotoxicity. Better cellular uptake was confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. C60-fullerenes/MWCNTs modulated the pharmacokinetic profile of drug in desired manner, resulting in better retention and compartment availability. However, the results from C60-fullerenes were observed to be better than that from MWCNTs. The present findings established the potential of carbon-based aminated nanocarriers for delivery of methotrexate in safer and effective manner.

Aim: Glycine-tethered C60-fullerenes were conjugated with N-desmethyl tamoxifen and evaluated for drug delivery benefits. Materials & methods: C60-fullerenes were functionalized with glycine, and N-desmethyl tamoxifen was conjugated, employing a linker and characterized for micromeritics, drug loading, drug release and evaluated for cancer cell toxicity, cellular uptake and pharmacokinetics. Results: The nanoconjugate with a drug entrapment efficiency of 82.71 ± 6.23% and a drug loading of 66.01 ± 4.98% was hemocompatibile with appreciable MCF-7 cytotoxicity. The confocal results confirmed enhanced uptake of conjugate. Interestingly, pharmacokinetic outcomes of the conjugate were superior and the area under the curve was enhanced by approximately three-times, whereas the drug clearance was reduced by around five-times, after single intravenous injection. Conclusion: The conjugation assured improved availability of drug in a biological system for prolonged duration as well as in the interiors of target cells with a promise of enhanced efficacy and compatibility.

Aim: The aim of present research was to complex aceclofenac with lysine (LYS) and the developed aceclofenac–LYS cocrystal was encapsulated in lipid bilayers of liposomes by employing dual carrier approach for the treatment of pain-related disorders in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Materials & methods: The developed carriers were characterized for particle size, drug release, ex vivo and in vivo studies, dermatokinetic modeling, complete freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced RA rat model, radiant heat tail-flick method, formalin-induced paw-licking model, paw edema model and xylene-induced ear edema model in mice. Results: The developed nanoliposomes offered nanometric size, controlled drug release and enhanced drug permeation. Further, hydrogel incorporated nanoproduct was found to be rheologically acceptable and substantially compatible with rodent skin. Conclusion: The studies indicated the superiority of LYS-conjugated liposome-entrapped nanocarriers for improved management of conditions like RA over the marketed product.

Biocompatible and biodegradable polymers like PLGA have revolutionized the drug delivery approaches. However, poor drug loading and substantially high lipophilicity, pave a path for further tailing of this promising agent. In this regard, PLGA was feathered with biocompatible phospholipid and polymeric micelles were developed for delivery of Methotrexate (MTX) to cancer cells. The nanocarriers (114.6nm±5.5nm) enhanced the cytotoxicity of MTX by 2.13 folds on MDA-MB-231 cells. Confocal laser scanning microscopy confirmed the increased intracellular delivery. The carrier decreased the protein binding potential and enhanced the bioavailable fraction of MTX. Pharmacokinetic studies vouched substantial enhancement in AUC and bioresidence time, promising an ideal carrier to effectively deliver the drug to the site of action. The developed nanocarriers offer potential to deliver the drug in the interiors of cancer cells in an effective manner for improved therapeutic action.

In various neurological disorders, antioxidants are frequently prescribed along with the specific treatment modalities. One such promising natural flavonoid is quercetin, offering better outcomes than established vitamins E and C. Though with immense promises, various challenges like poor oral-bioavailability (

Chemotherapy is one of the most frequently employed and reliable treatment options for the management of a variety of cancers. Taxanes (paclitaxel, docetaxel and cabazitaxel) are frequently prescribed to treat breast cancer, hormone refractory prostate cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and ovarian cancer. Most of the commercial products of taxanes are available as injectables, which are not patient compliant and are associated with frequent side effects like ototoxicity, baldness and neurotoxicity. Most of these concerns are ascribable to the presence of toxic solvents in these commercial formulations, which are used to solubilize these drug(s). However, there have been several attempts to develop toxic solvent free taxane formulations, especially employing novel drug delivery systems (NDDS). These systems have been reported to result in the advancement of anticancer activity, therapeutic index, stability, biocompatibility, tissue or organ targeting, encapsulation capacity, tissue permeability, oral bioavailability, reduced toxicity and reduced incidences of abnormal reactions, sustained and controlled release in comparison to the conventional solvent-based formulations. The review is an attempt to analyze the potential of NDDS-mediated taxane delivery for safer and effective cancer chemotherapy.

Phage therapy has been at the centre of attraction for combating multi-drug resistant strains. However, less stability and rapid clearance of phage by mononuclear phagocytic system (MPS) restricts its use in humans. In the present study, aim was to develop a liposomal delivery system for bacteriophage that can assure efficient phage delivery and retention at the site of infection. Different ratios of cholesterol, lipids and surfactant along with different charge inducers were employed to prepare liposomes. Phage was then entrapped in the liposomes and characterized on the basis of morphology, size, entrapment efficiency and stability. Further, in vivo biodistribution of free phage and liposome entrapped phage was compared in different organs of mice. A cationic liposomal formulation showed maximum encapsulation efficiency of 92%. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the entrapment of phages in liposomes. Liposome preparation was found to be most stable at 4°C during storage. Liposome entrapped bacteriophage was retained for longer duration in different organs i.e. upto day 4 in blood, day 6 in liver, lungs and kidney, 14days in spleen of mice as compared to free phage that became undetectable by 36th h in blood as well as lungs and by 48th h in all other organs.

Docetaxel (DTX), a widely prescribed anticancer agent, is now associated with increased instances of multidrug resistance. Also, being a problematic BCS class IV drug, it poses challenges for the formulators. Henceforth, it was envisioned to synthesize an analogue of DTX with a biocompatible lipid, i.e., palmitic acid. The in-silico studies (molecular docking and simulation) inferred lesser binding of docetaxel palmitate (DTX-PL) with P-gp vis-a-vis DTX and paclitaxel, indicating it to be a poor substrate for P-gp efflux. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) of the conjugate were prepared using various lipids, viz. palmitic acid, stearic acid, cetyl palmitate and glyceryl monostearate. The characterization studies for the nanocarrier were performed for the surface charge, drug payload, micromeritics, release pattern of drug and surface morphology. From the cytotoxicity assays on resistant MCF-7 cells, it was established that the new analogue offered substantially decreased IC50 to that of DTX. Further, apoptosis assay also corroborated the results obtained in IC50 determination wherein, SA-SLNs showed the highest apoptotic index than free DTX. The conjugate not only enhanced the solubility but also offered lower plasma protein binding and improved pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effect for DTX loaded SA-SLNs in apt animal models, and lower affinity to P-gp efflux. The studies provide preliminary evidence and a ray of hope for a better candidate in its nano version for safer and effective cancer chemotherapy.

The present work describes the systematic development and characterization of nanolipospheres (NLPs) loaded with phospholipid complex of rosuvastatin for enhanced oral drug absorption trough lymphatic pathways. The construction of Job's plot revealed 3:1 as the apt stoichiometric ratio for formation of complex between the drug and phospholipid. The complex was characterized by FT-IR, DSC, PXRD, H1-NMR, SEM and molecular docking studies. Evaluation of the complex for aqueous solubility and dissolution studies revealed 4.4- and 3.8-fold improvement in the solubilized fraction and release rate of the drug as compared to the physical mixture and pure drug. Further, the complex-loaded NLPs were prepared by phase inversion method and systematically optimized using Box–Behnken design, selecting the amounts of Compritol 888 (X1) and Solutol HS15 (X2) as the product parameters, and stirring speed (X3) as the process parameter. The prepared formulations were evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency and in vitro drug release. Ex vivo permeation and in situ intestinal perfusion studies revealed 4.2 to 6.5-fold improvement in the permeability and absorption of the drug from NLPs vis-a-vis the complex, physical mixture and pure drug. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies corroborated significant improvement in Cmax (4.7-fold) and AUC (5.3-fold) by the complex-loaded NLPs in comparison to the physical mixture and pure drug. The lymphatic distribution studies construed 4.8-fold augmentation in the uptake of drug from NLPs over the erstwhile formulations. Pharmacodynamic studies also revealed superior efficacy of the NLPs in reducing the serum cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, and increasing the HDL over the pure drug. Overall, the studies indicated enhanced biopharmaceutical performance of the NLPs loaded with phospholipid complex of rosuvastatin calcium.

The aim of the current investigation was to develop and characterize lipid-based carriers of aceclofenac (ACE) with enhanced stability and transdermal delivery potential to the inflammatory sites in osteoarthritis. An attempt was made to complex the drug with a biocompatible complexing agent, i.e., β-cyclodextrin and the same was further encapsulated in the lipid bilayers of liposomes. FT-IR studies depicted the masking of one of the functional groups of ACE indicating the interaction of the drug–CD complex with the lipid bilayers of the prepared liposomes. The values of particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential of the developed carrier system were found to be 481.7 nm, 0.214 and −29.54 mV, respectively. The system was further incorporated in a hydrogel which was found to be a shear-thinning system with a yield value of 3.625 Pa and viscosity of 3.085 Pa s. Skin permeation studies revealed the superiority of the prepared ACE loaded-β-CD liposomal gel over the MKT gel with an enhancement ratio of 2.69. Skin irritancy studies performed on LACA mice skin proved the safety and non-irritancy of the prepared formulation. The dermatokinetic studies confirmed better permeation and enhanced skin bioavailability of ACE to epidermis as well as dermis vis-a-vis the MKT product. The developed system not only improved the delivery aspects of ACE, but also offered substantial stability to this highly hydrolysis labile molecule. The current findings provide a lead for the development of an effective topical formulation of ACE with substantial stability in β-cyclodextrin-vesicles.

The present work aims to develop tamoxifen-loaded polymeric micelles and explore their potential in topical delivery of the drug to breast cancer cells. The PLGA–PEG copolymer was chemically synthesized and the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the polymer was determined, drug loaded micelles were developed by a modified solvent dialysis method. The developed system was characterized for micromeritics, surface charge, drug entrapment and morphology. Furthermore, nanocarriers were evaluated for drug-release-kinetics, erythrocyte-compatibility, in vitro cytotoxicity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells and a dermal pharmacokinetic profile. The developed system was of a spherical shape with size of 76.4 ± 2.1 nm and a neutral surface charge (−4.89 mV). The system was able to offer 60.86 ± 3.21% drug entrapment. Along with drug release controlling behaviour, the cytotoxic potential of tamoxifen against MCF-7 cell lines was substantially enhanced. Dermatokinetic studies revealed better drug availability to both the epidermis and dermis than that of the plain drug. The PLGA–PEG-based micellar system offered a safer and effective option for better delivery of tamoxifen to breast cancer with immense promise of delivery across skin.

Osteoarthritis (OA), a common musculoskeletal disorder, is projected to affect about 60 million people of total world population by 2020. The associated pain and disability impair the quality of life and also pose economic burden to the patient. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely prescribed in OA, while diclofenac is the most prescribed one. Oral NSAIDs are not very patient friendly, as they cause various gastrointestinal adverse effects like bleeding, ulceration, and perforation. To enhance the tolerability of diclofenac and decrease the common side effects, aceclofenac (ACE) was developed by its chemical modification. As expected, ACE is more well-tolerated than diclofenac and possesses superior efficacy but is not completely devoid of the NSAID-tagged side effects. A series of chemical modifications of already planned drug is unjustified as it consumes quanta of time, efforts, and money, and this approach will also pose stringent regulatory challenges. Therefore, it is justified to deliver ACE employing tools of drug delivery and nanotechnology to refine its safety profile. The present review highlights the constraints related to the topical delivery of ACE and the various attempts made so far for the safe and effective topical delivery employing the novel materials and methods.

Isotretinoin (ITR) is a drug of choice in the treatment of all types of acne, including recalcitrant, severe and nodulocystic. The most widely employed route of its administration, i.e., oral intake, is reported to be associated with severe side-effects including teratogenecity, skin dryness and psychological disorders. Topical delivery, though advised for ITR, is marked with several hiccups like irritation, erythema and peeling of skin. The current studies, therefore, were embarked upon to develop "optimized" SLNs of ITR employing formulation by design (FbD) approach. The developed system was characterized and evaluated for skin compliance, skin transport characteristics and anti-acne potential against testosterone-induced acne in male Laca mice. The SLNs were able to transport the drug to various skin layers effectively while formed drug micro-reservoirs. The nano-colloidal systems showed marked anti-acne potential and tolerability on the mouse skin vis-à-vis the marketed product. The optimized SLNs exhibited drug entrapment of 89.49±4.1%, while the size was found to be in the nano-range (i.e., 75.3±2.4 nm). The ITR formulation was found to be stable too as per ICH guidelines. The results vouch immense promise of the optimized SLNs of ITR in reducing dermal irritation and increasing the therapeutic performance, thus resulting in an efficacious and patient-compliant formulation.

Lecithin organogels (LOs) are semi-solid systems with immobilized organic liquid phase in 3-D network of self-assembled gelators. This paper attempts to study the various attributes of LOs, starting from selection of materials, optimization of influential components to LO specific characterization. After screening of various components (type of gelators, organic and aqueous phase) and construction of phase diagrams, a D-optimal mixture design was employed for the systematic optimization of the LO composition. The response surface plots were constructed for various response variables, viz. viscosity, gel strength, spreadability and consistency index. The optimized LO composition was searched employing overlay plots. Subsequent validation of the optimization study employing check-point formulations, located using grid search, indicated high degree of prognostic ability of the experimental design. The optimized formulation was characterized for morphology, drug content, rheology, spreadability, pH, phase transition temperatures, and physical and chemical stability. The outcomes of the study were interesting showing high dependence of LO attributes on the type and amount of phospholipid, Poloxamer™, auxillary gelators and organic solvent. The optimized LO was found to be quite stable, easily applicable and biocompatible. The findings of the study can be utilized for the development of LO systems of other drugs for the safer and effective topical delivery.

Treatment of photoaging includes non-prescription cosmeceuticals and prescription products, retinoids. Isotretinoin, an established anti-acne retinoid, is also reported to delay the aging process. However, the drug is reported to be an irritant on skin.The present study endeavors to explore the potential of a novel set of biocompatible nano-structured systems of isotretinoin in the treatment of photoaging.Nano-lipoidal carriers (NLCs) of isotretinoin were developed, characterized and investigated in vivo for anti-aging potential in Laca mice vis-à-vis the marketed products of retinoids. The anti-aging efficacy of NLCs was measured in terms of visual and redox-biochemical parameters in ultraviolet (UV)-irradiated mice.Visual observations revealed that there was no significant change (p 0.05) w.r.t. erythema, skin sagging and wrinkles in the skin of the animals treated with NLCs formulation compared to the marketed product(s). The malondialdehyde levels were found to be significantly reduced, whereas glutathione levels were increased with the application of NLCs vis-à-vis control and test formulations. The NLCs were able to maintain the normal redox-balance of UV-irradiated skin, and were better tolerated by the animals.The study ratifies enhancement in the efficacy of isotretinoin against photoaging and improved skin biocompatibility after its encasement in novel topical dosage forms.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that may drastically impair the quality of life of a patient. Among the various modes of treatments for psoriasis, topical therapy is most commonly used in majority of patients. The topical formulations based on conventional excipients could serve the purpose only to a limited extent. With the advent of newer biocompatible and biodegradable materials like phospholipids, and cutting-edge drug delivery technologies like liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), microemulsions, and nanoemulsions, the possibility to improve the efficacy and safety of the topical products has increased manifold. Improved understanding of the dermal delivery aspects and that of designing and developing diverse carrier systems have brought in further novelty in this approach. Substantial efforts and the consequent publications, patents and product development studies on the subject are the matter of interest and review of this article. However, majority of the work is related to the preclinical studies and demands further clinical assessment in psoriasis patients.

Summary Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the formulation characteristics and pharmacodynamic activity of the lecithinized coal tar formulation (LCT) employing different methodologies and compare it with that of a conventional coal tar formulation (CCT) employing different methodologies. Methods Characterization for skin-staining was carried out employing shaved back skin of rats. Rheological properties were determined using Texture Analyzer™. The dispersibility of the coal tar formulations in water was determined by macroscopic examination. Antipsoriatic pharmacodynamic activity of the formulations was evaluated employing mouse-tail model. Results The study revealed distinct superiority of the LCT vis-a-vis CCT. The LCT was found be nonstaining with no apparent adverse effect on rat skin. Rheological studies revealed significantly better spreadability and lower stickiness of the LCT than that of CCT. The LCT forms uniform dispersion with water, while the CCT tends to form large aggregates. Finally, the pharmacodynamic model demonstrated superior anti-psoriatic activity of the LCT. Conclusions The findings with the LCT were highly encouraging, as it proved to be nonstaining to skin, easily applicable, and water dispersible with markedly improved efficacy. The product was thus potentially more patient-compliant and efficacious. The evaluation methodologies adopted during the studies were found to be accurate, simple, specific, and reproducible with immense potential for assuring the quality of coal tar product(s).