Developing Cutaneous Applications of Paromomycin Entrapped in Stimuli-Sensitive Block Copolymer Nanogel Dispersions

AIM: A new paromomycin micellar nanogel based on poloxamer 407 was developed. MATERIALS & METHODS: In vitro release and ex vivo permeation/retention studies were conducted. In vivo tolerance was assayed by transepidermal water loss. Ex vivo cytotoxicity on RAW and VERO cells and antileishmanial activity on Leishmania promastigotes was tested. RESULTS: The particle size was 9.19 nm (99% loading efficiency) exhibiting Newtonian behavior at 4°C and was pseudoplastic at 25 and 40°C. Drug release followed a Weibull model and the drug remaining in the skin was 31.652 µg/g/cm(2). In vivo tolerance achieved excellent results with negligible cellular toxicity and the best antileishmanial efficiency. CONCLUSION: The nanogel provided controlled, effective and safe delivery of paromomycin for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.