Solid lipid nanoparticles as a carrier of metformin for transdermal delivery

Worldwide prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing with alarming proportions. Metformin is the first-line oral antidiabetic drug of choice for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The objectives of the present study were to develop Metformin solid lipid nanoparticles (M-SLN) and incorporate it in the transdermal patches. M-SLN was evaluated for Particle size, Zeta potential, Surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and In vitroIn vivo release studies. Patches were evaluated by Ex-vivo skin permeation studies. M-SLN was prepared by solvent diffusion technique using propylene glycol (solvent), polymethacrylic acid (polymer) and Soya lecithin (lipid base). After doing the evaluation of the above mentioned pharmaceutical parameters, M-SLN was loaded in Methocel K100M transdermal patches. Ex-vivo skin permeation studies were conducted on male Wistar ratÊs skin using Franz-type diffusion Cells. The particle size of M-SLN varied among the formulation due to variation in the composition of formulations. Zeta potential of best formulation was found to be +27mV. SEM and TEM indicates discrete spherical structure without aggregation. Drug content was found to be 1.45mg/patch. The ex-vivo permeation studies indicate that the high cumulative amount of drug is permeated from MSLNs. Our study proves the successful delivery of M-SLN from transdermal patch, and Histopathological studies confirmed that the M-SLN transdermal patch only provoked an acceptable modest inflammatory response. These results support the feasibility of developing transdermal metformin for human applications. Thus, transdermal delivery of M-SLN is a safe, painless and cost effective drug delivery system for diabetes patients.