Formulation, in-vitro and ex-vivo evaluation of albendazole loaded ufasomal nanoformulation for topical delivery

Albendazole (ABZ), a widely used anti-parasitic agent, has recently drawn considerable attention due to its wide variety of therapeutic activities, such as anticancer and anti-psoriasis properties. However, its low water solubility limits its clinical applicability. The aim of the current study was to prepare ABZ loaded ufasomes (ABZ-U) to improve drug solubility and permeation through skin for topical delivery. ABZ-U was formulated by a thin film hydration and homogenization technique. Optimized ABZ-U was characterized for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency. The formulation was further incorporated into a ufasomal gel base (ABZ-UG) and evaluated for drug release, rheology, and skin deposition. The optimized nanovesicles presented small particles size (235.71 ± 33.77 nm), good PDI (0.192 ± 0.088), acceptable zeta potential (−67.46 ± 2.35 mV) and entrapment efficiency of 74.14 ± 0.70%. The hydrogel exhibited a rheological behavior of a pseudoplastic and thixotropic fluid. Analyzing in vitro drug release study by various mathematical models, the optimized ABZ-UG showed a zero-order release pattern with 99.86 ± 0.79% cumulative ABZ release within 24 h. Ex vivo permeation studies across Wistar rat skin indicated suitable skin retention of ABZ for topical delivery. Overall, the study proved that ABZ-UG could be a promising carrier in treatment of skin diseases.