Skin delivery of resveratrol encapsulated lipidic formulation for melanoma chemoprevention

Abstract

<b>Objective:</b> An unmet need for patient friendly products can be achieved with novel, biocompatible lipidic formulations which encapsulate and prolong release of medicaments. The aim of this study was to develop a commercially scalable resveratrol-loaded solid-lipid microparticulate (SLM) topical gel for melanoma chemoprevention. <b>Methods:</b> Preformulation studies were conducted and drug-excipient interactions examined using infra-red spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Resveratrol-loaded SLM topical gel was prepared and evaluated by <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> parameters. <b>Results:</b> Spherical microparticles of 2.98 μm average size were obtained and DSC thermograms provide evidence of trans-resveratrol encapsulation. <i>In vitro</i> and <i>ex vivo</i> drug diffusion studies revealed sustained release profiles. Optimised SLM gel provides optimum antioxidant, tyrosinase inhibition, cytotoxicity in B16F10 melanoma cell line and apoptosis efficacy. <i>In vivo</i> studies on C57BL mice exhibit significant tumour reduction. <b>Conclusion:</b> Promising role of trans-resveratrol-loaded SLM topical gel in melanoma chemoprevention is proven.