Formation of nanoemulsion containing ibuprofen by PIC method for topical delivery

Abstract

This study reports the formation of nanoemulsions from palm-kernel oil esters (PKOE)/Cremophor EL/water systems intended for topical administration of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, ibuprofen. Nanoemulsions containing 2% ibuprofen, various oil:surfactant ratios (10:90, 20:80 and 30:70) and 80% of water were selected from the ternary system of PKOE/Cremophor EL/water and prepared by the phase inversion composition (PIC) method. The characterization of the nanoemulsions such as droplet size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, stability and the permeation of ibuprofen from nanoemulsions were evaluated. The prepared nanoemulsions exhibited good stability without any phase separation, sedimentation or creaming for the period of tested experimental time (6 months). The permeation study of ibuprofen was performed on Franz type-diffusion cells through human abdominal skin. The median values of the fluxes obtained as well as the median of the percentage of permeated amount at 24h were not statistically different. The mean profiles of permeated ibuprofen versus time from PKOE was greater (p < 0.05) than those obtained from Miglyol 812.