Abstract

FORMULATION AND IN-VITRO CHARACTERIZATION OF TRANSFEROSOMAL GEL FOR ENHANCING THE TRANSDERMAL PERMEATION OF ACECLOFENAC

Kamini Mondal*, Prof. Dr. Pankaj Kumar Sharma, Prof. Dr. Jaya Sharma, Prof. Dr. Samir Gaur, Dr. Maneesh Napit

ABSTRACT

Background: Aceclofenac is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) widely used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other inflammatory conditions. However, its oral administration is associated with gastrointestinal irritation, first-pass metabolism, and frequent dosing, which may reduce patient compliance. Transferosomal vesicles have emerged as promising carriers for transdermal drug delivery due to their ultra-deformable nature and ability to enhance drug permeation through the skin. Objective: The present study aimed to formulate and characterize an Aceclofenac-loaded transferosomal gel for enhancing transdermal permeation and improving topical drug delivery. Methods: Aceclofenac-loaded transferosomes were prepared by the thin-film hydration method using phospholipids and an edge activator. The transferosomal dispersion was incorporated into a suitable gel base to prepare a topical gel. The prepared formulation was evaluated for vesicle size, entrapment efficiency, pH, viscosity, spreadability, drug content, in vitro drug release, ex vivo skin permeation, and stability. Results: The prepared transferosomal gel exhibited satisfactory physicochemical characteristics, including acceptable pH, good spreadability, uniform drug content, and suitable viscosity. The formulation showed high drug entrapment efficiency and enhanced in vitro drug release. Ex vivo permeation studies demonstrated improved transdermal permeation of Aceclofenac compared with the conventional formulation. Stability studies indicated that the formulation remained stable without significant changes in its physicochemical properties during the study period. Conclusion: The Aceclofenac-loaded transferosomal gel demonstrated enhanced transdermal drug permeation and satisfactory physicochemical characteristics, indicating its potential as an effective topical drug delivery system. The developed formulation may serve as a promising alternative to oral Aceclofenac therapy by improving drug delivery while reducing gastrointestinal adverse effects.

Keywords: Aceclofenac; Transferosomes; Transdermal drug delivery; Topical gel; Vesicular drug delivery; In vitro characterization.