Nanodispersions of liquid crystalline phase as a piperine carrier for topical treatment of vitiligo: development and evaluation

• Grant number: 19/19372-1
• Support type: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): January 01, 2020
• Effective date (End): February 28, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Technology
• Principal researcher: Maria Vitória Lopes Badra Bentley
• Grantee: Sofia Sayuri Ikari Pasian
• Home Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto (FCFRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 14/50928-2 - INCT 2014: Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology: a transdisciplinary approach, AP.TEM

Abstract

Vitiligo is a hypopigmentary disease and its pathogenesis has not been completely elucidated. Several intrinsic and extrinsic factors are related to its occurrence, and among these factors, oxidative stress has been shown to affect melanin metabolism and impair melanocyte survival, furthermore can induce an autoimmune response in T cells. Piperine, a Piper alkaloid nigrum L. has been shown to influence melanocyte proliferation, as well as pronounced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, with few side effects when compared to corticosteroids. However, due to its lipophilic character, the development of nanostructured release systems is essential to make the therapeutic application viable. In this context, the present project aims to develop liquid-crystalline nanodispersions by top-down and bottom-up approaches, besides to optimize the production through statistical experimental designs. Nanodispersions will be evaluated for particle size, polydispersity, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency and stability. The liquid-crystalline structure will be confirmed by a low angle X-ray scattering analysis. Franz vertical diffusion cell assays will be performed to study the release, permeation and skin retention behavior of piperine from the nanodispersions. Therefore, the suggested experimental strategy will result in a technological development study of nanodispersions that contains piperine for topical treatment of vitiligo.