DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF BOSWELLIA-LOADED SOLID LIPID NANOPARTICLE FILMS FOR TRANSDERMAL DELIVERY IN CARRAGEENAN-INDUCED ARTHRITIS MODEL IN RATS

SONIA K.; R. VIJAYA; V. JANANI; KIRUBA MOHANDOSS

doi:10.22159/ijap.2025v17i6.55187

Authors

SONIA K. Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Sri Ramachandra Faculty of Pharmacy, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU), Porur, Chennai-116, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8720-2849
R. VIJAYA Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University College of Engineering, Anna University, BIT Campus, Tiruchirapalli, India
V. JANANI Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, University College of Engineering, Anna University, BIT Campus, Tiruchirapalli, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7848-0046
KIRUBA MOHANDOSS Department of Pharmaceutics, Sri Ramachandra Faculty of Pharmacy, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (DU), Porur, Chennai-116, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5601-7691

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22159/ijap.2025v17i6.55187

Keywords:

Boswellic acid, Solid Lipid Nanoparticles, Transdermal Film, Anti-arthritic, Chitosan, Polyvinyl alcohol

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to develop and evaluate a dual-purpose solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN)-chitosan/PVA matrix-based transdermal film incorporating Boswellia serrata extract for enhanced anti-arthritic activity, sustained drug release, and improved biocompatibility.

Methods: Boswellia-loaded SLNs were prepared using hot homogenization at 15,000 rpm for 15 min with stearic acid as lipid and Polysorbate 80 as surfactant. The optimized nanoparticles (lipid-to-drug ratio 8:1) were embedded in a chitosan–polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film-forming matrix. Three formulations (F1–F3) were developed and evaluated for physicochemical properties, drug content uniformity, and swelling index. Advanced techniques, including SEM, FTIR, and zeta analysis, were used for characterization. In vitro drug release was studied via the Franz diffusion cell using a cellulose acetate membrane (pH 7.4), and kinetics were modelled. Antioxidant activity was assessed via DPPH and nitric oxide assays, while anti-inflammatory effects were studied through protease, lipoxygenase, and protein-denaturation assays. Biocompatibility was tested using RAW 264.7 macrophages (MTT assay). In vivo studies included Draize-based skin irritation and carrageenan-induced paw edema models in wistar rats.

Results: The F2 formulation exhibited optimal characteristics with a surface pH of 6.4, drug content uniformity of 98.3%, and a swelling index of 152.8%. Particle size distribution (PDI 0.410) and zeta potential (–29.9 mV) confirmed stability. SEM showed spherical particles with smooth surfaces. FTIR revealed characteristic drug-polymer interactions. In vitro drug release followed a biphasic pattern with an initial burst and sustained diffusion, achieving 98.38% release over 6 h. Antioxidant assays showed 89.6% DPPH and 85.9% nitric oxide inhibition. The film significantly inhibited inflammatory enzymes, with results comparable to diclofenac sodium. Cell viability remained>80% even at 200 µg/ml. No signs of dermal irritation were noted. In vivo, the film reduced paw edema by over 50% at 8 h.

Conclusion: The HSLN-loaded chitosan/PVA film demonstrated biphasic drug release, potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, and excellent biocompatibility, making it a promising non-invasive therapeutic strategy for managing arthritis. The biphasic release profile offers rapid symptom relief followed by sustained action, which may reduce dosing frequency and improve patient compliance in chronic RA therapy. Further clinical investigations are warranted.

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