Background:

topical antiseptic agents have been used widely in normal skin and wound which is associated with side effects such as systemic toxicity.

Objective:

Iodine is a non-metallic agent with an antimicrobial property that is used in the clinic as antiseptic. Iodophores such as Povidone-Iodine (PVP-I) introduced to improve the stability of the aqueous solution of iodine. Time taking and expensive procedures for producing complex between iodine and polyvinyl pyrolidine and systemic iodine absorption after topical PVP-I application are limitations on the application of this iodophore. The aim of this study was the design and evaluation of polymeric micelles for the overcoming of PVP-I limitations.

Methods:

Eight polymeric micelle formulations prepared by the thin-layer method based on full-factorial design. In an ex-vivo study permeability of iodine- loaded in polymeric micelles through rat skin was evaluated in comparison with PVP-I.

Results:

polymeric micelles demonstrated particle size between 14-153 nm that is affected by critical micelle concentration (CMC) and molecular weight of the polymer. Maximum % of drug released after 24 h was 62.3% that mainly controlled by the type of polymer. All polymeric micelles significantly decreased the percentage of drug permeated through rat skin and so decreased the risk of iodine toxicity. The minimum bactericidal concentration of polymeric micelles was comparable with PVP-I.

Conclusion:

Polymeric micelle demonstrated a perfect topical carrier for iodine loading and delivery through the skin by Iodine entrapment into the skin and sufficiently antimicrobial effect.

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