Pharmaceutics & Novel Drug Delivery Systems

Nigella sativa (N. sativa) seed oil has been used for centuries in the treatment of various diseases (mainly due to its component named Thymoquinone). N. sativa seed oil improves percutaneous absorption thanks to its rich unsaturated fatty acids composition. In addition, N. sativa seed oil also has an anti-inflammatory effect. Encapsulation into polymeric nanoparticles could enhance stability and control the release. Nanoprecipitation as a method for nanoparticles preparation has several advantages such as simplicity to set-up, lower consumption of energy, time and water. Nanoprecipitation technique was used to prepare polycaprolactone (PCL) based nanoparticles. This technique includes two phases. Both (aqueous and organic) phases were prepared separately. Firstly, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was dissolved in Milli-Q water and then mixed with polysorbate 80. Secondly, organic phase was obtained after dissolution of PCL, Indomethacin and N. sativa seed oil in acetone. Subsequently, organic phase was injected into aqueous phase under continuous agitation. Finally, acetone has been evaporated by Rotavapor®. Prepared particles were characterized. Results shown that Indomethacin and N. Sativa seed oil has been efficiently encapsulated. Particles size, zeta potential, polydispersity index and encapsulation efficiency were respectively, 324. 2 nm, -12. 3 mV, 0. 41 and 75 %. It was pointed out that with increase of polymer concentration and N. Sativa seed oil volume, particles size was growing. N. Sativa seed oil encapsulated into nanoparticles would boost the dermal penetration of Indomethacin and as well its anti-inflammatory activity. Furthermore, these nanoparticles are considered for a dermal application which could decrease Indomethacin side effects.