Novel Topical Clobetasol Propionate Nanosponges Loaded Hydrogel For Psoriasis: Irritation Evaluation, Mechanistic Insights, in Vivo Appraisal and Biochemical Investigations

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated skin disorder, induced by aberrant activation of dendritic cells, followed by modifications in the immune cells (skin) and keratinocytes (epidermis). Previously, to enhance the poor aqueous solubility and photostability, and to enhance preclinical antipsoriatic performance, clobetasol propionate–loaded cyclodextrin nanosponges (CPNS) were fabricated and, subsequently, embedded in Carbopol hydrogel. Pharmacotechnological evaluation, cytocompatibility studies, and in vivo antipsoriatic assay in mouse tail model advocated the significance of the fabricated delivery system for psoriasis. The current study is an extension work to assess the targeting potential of CPNS hydrogel via confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) to skin strata. Further, to validate the safety of this novel formulation, in vitro skin irritation was performed using the HET-CAM (hen’s egg-chorioallantoic membrane) assay. The results of this study indicated no change in skin barrier function and no sign of erythema or irritation, suggesting the safety of prepared hydrogel for topical application. In vivo antipsoriatic studies were carried out using an imiquimod-induced mouse model to further validate the previous findings. Altogether, the results of phenotypic, histopathological, and biochemical estimations of the current investigation substantiated the profound antipsoriatic potential and safety of CP-loaded nanosponge hydrogel.