Development and Evaluation of Meloxicam Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Transdermal Delivery

Abstract

Background: Meloxicam is a BCS Class Ⅱ NSAID, with gastrointestinal side effects and shows poor skin permeability when administered orally. Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLC), consisting of both solid and liquid lipids, can enhance drug stability, drug loading capacity, skin permeation, and enable controlled release, making them suitable for transdermal delivery. Objectives: This study aimed to develop and evaluate Meloxicam-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers for enhanced transdermal delivery and improved anti-inflammatory efficacy. Materials and Methods: Meloxicam was incorporated in NLCs through the hot homogenisation method using glyceryl monostearate, beeswax, carnauba wax, oleic acid and poloxamer188. A Box-Behnken design was used for optimization. The optimized formulation was characterised for drug content, particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, SEM, DSC and in vitro drug release. The optimized NLCs were incorporated into HPMC E15-based transdermal patches and evaluated for folding endurance, drug content, thickness, moisture content, ex vivo permeation studies, FTIR compatibility, anti-inflammatory activity and stability. Results: The optimized NLC formulation exhibited a particle size of 260.5nm and a zeta potential of -33Mv, suggesting good stability. Sustained drug release of about 92% over 24 hr was observed. Ex vivo permeation studies showed higher drug flux and permeability compared to pure drug patches. The NLC patch demonstrated enhanced anti-inflammatory activity and showed no significant changes during stability studies. Conclusion: Meloxicam-loaded NLC-based transdermal patches offer improved permeation, sustained release, and enhanced therapeutic efficacy, representing a promising alternative to conventional oral delivery.